Unveiling of the Cora Lynn State School Honor Roll

On July 12, 1918 the Pakenham Gazette published the following report on the unveiling of an Honor Roll at the Cora Lynn State School. The article includes a great list of local children who participated in the sports programme. The big question remains - where is this Honor Board now?  I had never heard of it before I found this article.

There are six names listed in this article as being on the Honor Board - Emmite (actually Emmott), Jeffers, Johnson, Murdock (actually Murdoch), Scanlon and Smith. I have written about these men in my article about the War Memorial at Cora Lynn which was unveiled in February 1922; you can read it here.

Arbour Day, Cora Lynn, c. 1910

Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/767736

CORA LYNN. UNVEILING AN HONOR ROLL.
On Friday last Arbor Day was celebrated at the local school. There was a large attendance of parents and friends, who joined heartily in the picnic, races and games. 

The successful competitors in the races were: - Boys over 13: Roy Wilkinson 1, F. Cozens 2; girls over 13: L. Murdock 1, D. Gardner 2; boys between 11 and 13: S. Murdock 1, J. Quigley 2; girls between 11 and 13: W. Tierney 1, Z. Roberts 2; boys between 9 and 11: T. McGrath 1, J. Leslie 2; girls between 9 and 11: Doris Gardiner 1, B. Johnson 2; boys between 7 and 9: H. Leslie 1, John Quigley 2; girls between 7 and 9: M. Roberts 1, R. Rice 2; boys between 5 and 7: W. Adcock 1, W. Sommers 2; girl; between 5 and 7: Nellie Jeffers 1, M. Quigley and R. Scott 2; young men: D. Wakenshaw 1, H. Murdock 2, -. Lovell 3; young ladies: Miss E. Gardner 1, Miss M. Gardner 2, Miss M. Higgins 3; high jump (boys): A. Murdock 1, F. Cozens 2; high jump (young men) : D. Wakenshaw 1, H. Murdock 2.

During the afternoon the unveiling of the Roll of Honor took place. The head teacher (Mr G. B. Osborne) spoke of the pride we Australians have in the voluntary system under which these men enlisted to do their duty. Every school, he said, was proud, and justly so, of its old boys who had gone to fight for it. Two deeds on the battle field were then related, viz., "How an Australian sergeant captured twenty Germans by means of bluff and a bottle of iodine," and "How an Australian had carried despatches through a German barrage fire seven times. On the seventh trip, in spite of a severe wound, he carried the message to the Colonel, and dropped dead immediately the message was delivered." "Dozens of such deeds are heard of," said Mr Osborne, "but there are hundreds that never get beyond the persons concerned. Such deeds the men whose names are on the Roll of Honor have performed, and, with the exception of two who have paid the supreme sacrifice, are still performing."

Cr P. Walsh then performed the unveiling ceremony, and spoke feelingly of how these men used to be with us on previous Arbor Days, and how they nobly responded to the call for men. After the unveiling ceremony, every one joined whole-heartedly in singing "God bless our splendid men."

The following names appear on the Honor Roll:
R. Emmite (killed)
R. A. Jeffers
C. T. Johnson
A. C. Murdock
J. Scanlon
B. Smith (killed)

In the evening a dance, interspersed with a few items by the school children, was held in aid of the Patriotic Fund, for which £4 was raised. A waltzing competition was also held, the successful competitors being Mr P. Fitzgerald and Miss Guiney. Altogether both Arbor Day and Night were highly successful. (Pakenham Gazette Friday July 12, 1918, see here)

Cora Lynn First World War Memorial

The Cora Lynn War Memorial was unveiled on Wednesday, February 22 1922. It was reported on in the Pakenham Gazette of March 10, 1922  and the report is transcribed, below.

The Pakenham Gazette report of the unveiling of the Memorial at Cora Lynn.

Pakenham Gazette, March 10, 1922, p. 3

The unveiling of the memorial and machine gun took place on Wednesday, 22nd inst. Despite the showers which fell so incessantly during the afternoon, there was a very large attendance of people.

The President of the Memorial Committee (Mr Anderson) briefly outlined the cost of the stone etc., to which he said the people of Cora Lynn donated most generously. He then called on Cr Groves, M.L.A., to perform the unveiling ceremony, after which all present adjourned to the Hall.

Cr Groves congratulated Lieut. Ray Jeffers on gaining such distinction during war service. He also extended his sympathy to the parents of those soldiers who fell in the war.

Lieut. R. Jeffers spoke on behalf of the returned soldiers and thanked the people of Cora Lynn for the very fine stone they had erected. He said it would be a lasting momento, not so much for the returned soldiers but in honour of the boys who had not returned.

Cr Walsh, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Groves, said it gave them great pleasure to have Mr Groves with them that day. Anytime the people of Cora Lynn asked Mr Groves to come along he always came most willingly. Mr Groves is a most energetic member and no doubt he attends to the interest of the farmer with the greatest assiduity.

I do not know what happened to the machine gun, but the War Memorial is still there. It was originally next to the Cora Lynn Hall, but was relocated onto the drain bank between the 1934 and 1937 floods. 

Cora Lynn Hall and War Memorial, December 1934. 

Photographer: E. Boord. 

Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/768357

The Cora Lynn War Memorial can be seen in this photo on the drain bank, taken in the October 1937 flood. The Hall is the building on the top left; on the other side of the Nine Mile Road is the old E.S. & A Bank, then Dillion's store, then a house. 

The Cheese Factory, is over the drain, on the right of the photo. 

The Australasian October 23, 1937 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141810942

There are nineteen names on the memorial for soldiers from the First World War. If you are interested in finding out more about their military service, you can look up their full service record at the National Archives of Australia, https://www.naa.gov.au/. At the bottom of this post are three men with a Cora Lynn connection, but who are not honoured on the War Memorial. SN = Service Number.

Cora Lynn War Memorial.

Image: Heather Arnold taken January 2014.

Cora Lynn War Memorial.

Image: Heather Arnold taken January 2014.

Clarkin, William (SN 1522). William was the fifth child of John and Elizabeth (nee Moore) Clarkin. They had eight children - John (1886), Mary (1887-1888), James (1889), Catherine (1891), William 1894), Margaret (1896), Mary (1899) and Ada (1902). John died in 1902, aged 55, leaving Mrs Clarkin with a young family to look after and in June 1903 a concert and ball was held at the Iona Hall and £6 was raised for her. (1)  William enlisted at Tynong on December 7, 1914 at the age of 21; his next of kin was his eldest brother, John Clarkin of Garfield. William fought at Gallipoli where he was shot in the chest and bayonetted in the leg. He recovered and was serving in France when he was officially  reported as missing in August 1916 but had actually died of wounds as a Prisoner of War at Caudrey in Germany on August 26, 1916.  William is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial and on the Iona Honour Board.

William Clarkin, reported missing

Dandenong Advertiser, September 28, 1916 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88660906

Doherty, Edward Francis (SN 1218) Listed as F. Doherty on the memorial and known as Frank. Frank enlisted on March 9, 1915 at the age of 26. Frank was Killed in Action on August 4, 1916. Edward is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
Doherty, Louis Michael (SN 12392). Louis enlisted at the age of 21 on July 17, 1915. Louis returned to Australia in May 30, 1919. 

Frank, born at Miner's Rest,  and Louis, born at Bungaree,  were the sons of John and Bridget (nee Smith). John Doherty was a Veterinary Surgeon and they lived on Nine Mile Road, Tynong. Both of the men also had their occupation listed as farmers. Louis married Bessie Gertrude Wood in 1933 and in the 1930s and 1940s they were living in  Cargelligo and then Yendon in New South Wales. Frank and Louis  are also listed on the Bungaree Shire Honour Board, unveiled at the Shire Hall in April 1918 (2) and had a tree planted in their honour in the Tynong Memorial Grove. 

Report of the deaths of Frank Doherty and Jack Fitzgerald - Jack is on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Dandenong Advertiser, September 14, 1916  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88664360

Another report of Frank Doherty's death

Gordon, Egerton and Ballan Advertiser, September 15, 1916

 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129422941/13853850

Evans, Harry (SN 5589). Harry enlisted at Warragul in March 1916 at the age of 37. Harry was from Cora Lynn and his wife, Edith Minnie (nee Sunderland),  was listed as his next of kin. He embarked from Melbourne on September 25, 1916 on the HMAT Shropshire A9 and returned to Australia on December 31, 1916 having suffered continually from measles and pneumonia. He was discharged from the Army on February 12, 1917. After his return, Harry farmed on Minihan's Road in Cranbourne and then later at Bunyip.  Harry died on June 19, 1949, predeceasing Edith and their son Theo. (3)

Leslie Fritsch

 Photographer Darge Photographic Co. Australian War Memorial Image DASEY1179

Fritz, L –This is Leslie James Fritsch (4) (SN 2661).  

Leslie James Fritsch was born on June 25, 1896 at 31 Pridham Street, Prahran. He was the second child of Albert William Fritsch and Fannie Elizabeth Unwin who had married in October 1894, when he was 21 and she was 19. Their first son, Henry (Harry) Anton Fritsch was born in April 1895. It wasn’t a happy marriage and in 1899 Fannie applied  for a divorce on the grounds of his infidelity and violence towards her. 

By 1911, Albert was living in New Zealand, where he died at the age of 79 in 1953. Fannie, who was born in Warrnambool, moved back to her home town, married Joseph McKane and had another son, Allan Joseph McKane who was born in 1913. 

Harry and Leslie both served in World War One. Harry enlisted in August 1915 in C Company, 31st Infantry Battalion, he safely returned home and was discharged in July 1919. He had a long life and died in 1990, aged 95 in Queensland. 

Leslie (SN 2661) enlisted on July 19, 1915 in the 6th Reinforcements, 21st Battalion. He claimed he was 21 years old, he was actually only 19. Leslie embarked in October 1915, was admitted to Hospital in Egypt suffering from Diabetes in March 1916. He was invalided back to Australia in April and died at the Caulfield Military Hospital on July 16, 1916 from Diabetes.  He was buried the next day at Brighton Cemetery.

Leslie was living and working as a farm labourer at Cora Lynn at the time of his enlistment.  He was farewelled at a function at the local hall in September 1915 -  A most successful social and dance was held in Keast Hall on Monday evening last in honor of Mr. Fritsch, a young man who has enlisted for active service. Mr. Alf. Jeffers presided, and during the evening presented the young soldier with a gold medal. Mr. Fritsch responded with a splendid speech. (Bunyip Free Press September 30, 1915, see here)

Leslie clearly made an impact in the small community because he is listed on the War Memorial even though unfortunately his name is spelt incorrectly. Joseph McKane, Leslie’s step-father was buried with Leslie when he died in 1949; Fannie McKane died at the age of 82 in 1957 in Sydney, where she had been living with her son Allan. 

The farewell to Leslie Fritsch.

Bunyip Free Press September 30, 1915  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630905

Holian, John Mildred (SN 16160) John, a farmer from Cora Lynn, enlisted at the age of 22 on December 13, 1915. He had been born in St James, the son of Patrick and Margaret (nee Gannon) Holian; they had five children - Katie (1889), Patrick (1891), John (1893), Leo (1897) and Vera (1900)  Patrick, Margaret and their family moved from St James to their farm at Cora Lynn in 1909. (5). John Returned to Australia February 7, 1919 and in 1922 he married Agnes Mary O'Neill, I believe he joined the Police Force after his war service.  He died in 1980, aged 86.

Huey, John Robert (SN 3168). John was born at Castlemaine and enlisted at Warragul at the age of 30 on November 24, 1916. His occupation was listed as a labourer and he lived at Cora Lynn at the time of enlistment. His next of kin was his friend, Mrs Mary Ann Jones of Carlton. John Returned to Australia on June 30, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the October due to Debility, Bronchial catarrh and he had also suffered from paratyphoid and enteric fever. John died in Romsey on October 10,  1921, aged only 34.   

John Huey's death notice

The Argus, October 11, 1921 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4639293/415706

Jeffers, Raymond Alva (SN 6290). Ray was born at Strathbogie and enlisted at the age of 23 on May 25, 1916. He was a Cora Lynn farmer and the son of Alexander Jeffers, also a Cora Lynn farmer. Lieutenant Jeffers was awarded the Distinguished Conduct medal and the Military medal. He was in France until at least May 1919 and arrived home in Australia later that year. He married Gladys Lillian Gardiner in 1926; their son Gordon Jeffers farmed at Cora Lynn and their daughter, Wilma (Mrs Coleman) at Yannathan. After the War he moved to Dandenong and spent seventeen years (1946 - 1963) as a Councillor with the Dandenong Shire and City of Dandenong and was Shire President and Mayor. (6)  He died in 1963, aged 70. You can read an interview from 2015 in the Dandenong Journal with his his daughter, Mrs Wilma Coleman, here.

Farewell to Ray Jeffers and William Rigby

Dandenong Advertiser September 14, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88664360

Johnson, Charles Tudor (SN 588). Tudor, as he was known, was 19 when he enlisted on November 7, 1914. He was a farmer who lived at Cora Lynn and his next of kin was his mother, Fanny (nee Bickford) Johnson, also of Cora Lynn. Tudor had already attended Dookie Agricultural College when he enlisted, which he did at Enoggera in Brisbane. His father was Henry George Johnson who for some reason was not listed as the next of kin, as generally fathers are more likely to be the official next of kin than mothers. Tudor Returned to Australia on December 23, 1918 and married Emma Backhouse in 1923. In the 1930s and 1940s they lived in Barooga in New South Wales. Tudor rejoined the Army in  World War Two and served from August 1940 until November 1942. He died in 1963, aged 69. 

Kinsella, Bertram Michael (SN 3056) Bertram was a 29 year old farmer from Cora Lynn, when he enlisted on July 12, 1915. He was Killed in Action September 25, 1917.
Kinsella, Norman Francis (SN 920). Norman, who was also a Cora Lynn farmer, enlisted at the age of 19 on May 26, 1915. Norman returned to Australia after his overseas service on May 3, 1919. Bertram and Norman were half brothers, the sons of Michael Kinsella - Bertram from his first wife, Eliza Findlay (died 1890); and Norman by his second wife Susan Lockens. Norman married Lorna Grant in 1932 and they had two sons, Michael and Terrence. Norman died in 1959, aged 63. Bertram and Norman's sisters, Nancie and Kathleen both served as Nurses in World War Two, you can read about their extraordinary careers, here.

Milligan, Joseph Lewellen (SN 5376) Joseph was born in 1897 in Bunyip South (now called Iona) to James and Catherine (nee Hopkins) Milligan. He was the last of their ten children and the only one born locally. The others were - James (1875), Charles (1877), William (1880), Francis (1881), John (1883), Frederick (1885), Susan (1887), Catherine (1888), Thomas (1891) and then Joseph.  He enlisted at the age of 21 on March 8, 1916, his occupation was a farm hand, and his address was Cora Lynn. Joseph was Killed in Action on February 23, 1917. Joseph is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial and the Iona Honour Board.  The Milligan family also lost two other sons in the war - William (SN 4547) Killed in Action July 19, 1916 and Francis (SN 1736) enlisted in Cootamundra, NSW and was Killed in Action on September 26, 1917. 

Murdoch, Arthur Charles (SN 2634). Arthur was born at Iona but was living in Brighton at the time of his enlistment on October 29, 1917. He was 19 years old and a motor driver. Arthur Returned to Australia August 22, 1919. Arthur was the oldest of the nine children of George Petrie Murdoch and his wife Emma Parker and he died in 1984, aged 85.  His father, George, established the Cora Lynn store in 1907 and owned it until 1922, you can read about this and the Murdoch family here. George also established the Bayles General Store in 1921 (see here). Arthur is also listed on the Iona Honour Board.

Pederson, Nils (SN 1249). Nils was born in Norway and was working as a farm labourer at Cora Lynn at the time of his enlistment on February 24, 1915. He was 21 years old and his next of kin was his father who lived in Norway. He was Killed in Action in France on September 1, 1918. In his will, dated July 13, 1917, he left everything to Miss Nellie Jeffers of Cora Lynn. Nellie was the sister of Ray Jeffers, above, so I wondered if he was working for the Jeffers. However, also in his file was a letter from Miss Corrie Anderson asking about her friend, Nils, so maybe he was working for the Andersons. Corrie later married Dan Kinsella, a brother of Bertram and Michael, above.

Corrie Anderson's letter about Nils Pedersen

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Rigby, William Alexander (SN 2350). William was born in Georgetown in Tasmania in 1895 to Isaac William Rigby and his wife Mary Birch; he had three siblings Walter, Henry and May (7)  In 1912, the Electoral rolls show the family were living in Gardenvale, Victoria and Isaac was listed as a carpenter;  the next near they had moved to Mayfield, Murray Road, Cora Lynn. William, a farmer, enlisted on August 16, 1916 at the age of 21 and Returned to Australia on May 12, 1919. He married Mary Black in 1939 and died in 1942, aged 47.

William Rigby's death notice

The Age April 17, 1942 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205282400/19384749

Roper, Thornton Graham (SN 61922). Thornton was born in 1898  to James Alexander Roper and his wife Ellen Graham; his sister Eleanor was born in 1899 and his brother Eric in 1903 - they were all born in Walhalla. The family moved to Cora Lynn around 1910. Thornton enlisted on June 24, 1918, he was 20 years old and a  motor mechanic. Thornton did get sent overseas and Returned to Australia January 4, 1919. He married Anastasia Quirk in 1926 and they lived in Oakleigh, then Caulfield South. Thornton died in 1966, aged 68. The family is presumably the source of the name Ropers Lane, between Cora Lynn and Bayles; Ropers Lane was also part of  the boundary between the Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne.

Scanlon, Joseph Bernard (SN 3452) Joseph enlisted on May 9, 1916. He was 21 years old and a labourer. He Returned to Australia on July 5, 1919. Joseph also served in the Second World War from June 1940 to May 1944. The World War Two Nominal roll states that he was born July 2, 1900, which only makes him 16 when he enlisted in the Great War, however the Index to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages have him listed as being born 1895, so it seems he knocked 5 years off his age in 1940!
Scanlon, Thomas (SN 505) Thomas was 21 when he enlisted on January 12, 1915. He was a farmer. Thomas was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia on April 5, 1919. They are also listed in some official records with the surname Scanlan. They were the sons of William and Ellen Scanlon of Cora Lynn,  one newspaper report in a local paper says they were from Scanlon's Drain, Cora Lynn.

Smith, Berth (SN 1436) His first name was also listed as Bert, Bertie and Beith in some documents.  He was Killed in Action May 9 or May 10 in 1915 at Gallipoli. I had a hard time finding who B. Smith actually was until I found out that Berth enlisted at Tynong on September 21, 1914, aged 19, his next of kin was his father, William Smith of Rochford.  His occupation was listed as a labourer. Berth was born at Rochford, near Kyneton, and between 1907 and 1909 attended Cora Lynn State School, having previously been at Inverleigh State School, so it appears the family moved around a bit. 

By 1914 William was, as we know, back in Rochford, but he later moved to 16 Orr Street, Carlton. In June 1920, Berth's aunt Sarah McDougall, also of 16 Orr Street, wrote a letter to the Army Base Records Office stating that both his parents were deceased and he had no surviving siblings and that she was his mother's oldest sister. Mrs McDougall (nee Adcock) had requested his war medals, but in the end they were given to  his uncle, William Adcock of Cora Lynn.  It is possible that  Berth was working with his uncle and that is why he was in Cora Lynn. The Electoral rolls have a William and Margaret Adcock at Koo Wee Rup, and that must be them. Mrs McDougall's letter also notes that his half-brother, William Angus (SN 2101) was also Killed in Action, in 1916.  He was the son of William and Elizabeth Angus (nee Adcock), born 1889 in Lancefield, but his next of kin was his aunt, Mrs Yeaman (nee Adcock) of Wonthaggi, and her address was later  C/O David Cole, Cora Lynn and later still  Bayles, via Koo Wee Rup. With all this information, I finally found Berth's birth record - he was born on December 19, 1895 at Rochford to Elizabeth Adcock, father unknown, but with the surname of Angus. Elizabeth married William Smith in 1898 and she died in 1912 aged 47.  There was much sadness in the family with the death of Berth and William's parents, but it seems that both the lads were well loved by their extended family.

Berth's death notice. The date of death differs from that in his service record.

The Age July 3, 1915 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/154995661/18592496

Death notice of Berth's half brother

The Age September 27, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155160653

The names on the Cora Lynn War Memorial.

Image: Heather Arnold, taken January 2014.

There are other soldiers I have found with a Cora Lynn connection, who are not listed on the Memorial - 

Emmott, Robert Edmund (SN 1083) Robert was 19 when he enlisted on September 2, 1914. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Emmott of Buena Vista, Red Hill. Robert was Killed in Action on April 15, 1918, sadly he was so close to surviving the War after three and a half years of service. Robert was born in Fairfield, in September 1896 to Joseph Samuel and Alphina (nee Gunther) Emmott. Joseph and Alphina are listed in the Electoral rolls at Koo Wee Rup from 1903 until 1914; Joseph died April 1914 and it appears that Alphina then moved to Red Hill. Robert is also listed as a pupil at the Cora Lynn State School in 1908 and 1909, having previously been at Frankston State School, which doesn't fit in with the information in the Electoral Rolls, but he may have been staying with a relative for his early days of schooling. Due to his attendance at the Cora Lynn School he was on the School's Honor Roll, unveiled in July 1918 (see here)

Death notice of Robert Emmott

The Argus, May 11, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1658720/399941

Faulkner, Samuel John (SN 72542 ) John enlisted on July 8, 1918. He was 31 years old, born in Traralgon, his occupation was traveller and his address was 22 Porter Street, Prahran and his next of kin was his father, Frederick, of Trafalgar. In spite of this I believe he is the J. Faulkner mentioned in the article, below, as the 1916 to 1918 Electoral rolls have a Samuel John Faulkner and Martha Rhodena Faulkner at Cora Lynn. They were not husband and wife, or brother and sister, I think they were cousins; Martha married William Buist Murdoch Greig in 1926.  John did not embark and was discharged due to the War ending. In 1921 he married Ivy Dearnley, and they lived in Orbost. John died in 1965, aged 76. 

Send off to John Faulkner and Thornton Roper

Pakenham Gazette October 11, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/92154316/8577418

Thomas, James Matthew (SN 6109). James was born in Bendigo and enlisted in Melbourne on March 18, 1916 but on the Nominal roll his address on enlistment was Cora Lynn and his occupation was labourer. His next of kin was his Guardian, Mrs Higgins of North Melbourne. He was 37 when he enlisted and he Returned to Australia on June 2 1919.

Sources - Service records, National Archives of Australia; Indexes to the Victorian Birth, Deaths and Marriages; the Tasmanian Archives; newspaper articles, Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; Shire of Berwick Rate Books; Cora Lynn State School roll.

Footnotes

(1) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 24, 1903, see here.

(2) Ballarat Star, April 9, 1918, see here.

(3) The Age, June 20, 1949, see here.

(4) Thank you to Lynne Bradley of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group   www.nwfhg.org.au for discovering the identity of L. Fritz. It's great that we can give him his proper identity.

(5) Benalla Standard, September 7, 1909, see here.

(6) https://seha.org.au/shire-presidents-mayors-and-councillors-of-the-shire-city-of-dandneong-the-shire-of-springvale-and-noble-park-and-the-city-of-springvale

(7) The Herald, October 3, 1924, see here.

A version of this story, which I wrote and researched,  appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years and it has also been published in the Koo Wee Rup Blackfish and Garfield Spectator.

Cora Lynn 1907

The Cora Lynn State School, No. 3502, opened in January 1907 as Koo Wee Rup Central. It was renamed Cora Lynn in July 1907 when the Progress Association requested that the newly established postal service be called Cora Lynn, to prevent the confusion of the name with Koo Wee Rup. Joe Dineen had recalled that it was the Head Teacher of the school, John McGibbon, who proposed the name, after the scenic rocky gorge and popular picnic  area on the North Esk River, just out of Launceston in Tasmania (1). The name Cora Lynn comes from the Gaelic coire meaning ‘cauldron or kettle’ and linn ‘pool’ (2).

Tender for the erection of the Koo Wee Rup Central / Cora Lynn School

Great Southern Advocate March 8, 1906 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211322718

The original school building was 26 feet by 24 feet and cost £322 (3). As mentioned, the first head teacher was John McGibbon, who was at the school until September 1909 when he was transferred to Drysdale State School (4).  He was then appointed to various schools across Victoria - Miepoll (north west of Euroa), Emerald, Mirboo North and from 1931 lived at various addresses in Geelong and suburbs. John Barker McGibbin was born in 1883, so he was 24 when he started teaching at Cora Lynn. He married Margaret Emma McLean at the Geelong Presbyterian Church on Christmas Day, 1911.  He was teaching at Miepoll at the time. John died in Geelong in on May 23, 1965, aged 81. Margaret had died in 1964, aged 78 (5).

This is a list of the first pupils from 1907, at Cora Lynn State School, in the order they appear on the roll. Name, date of birth, parent’s name and occupation listed.

ANDERSON, Corrie. 13/4/1893. James Anderson. Gardener.

NESTOR, Mary. 15/12/1893. Martin Nestor. Farmer

NESTOR, Agnes. 15/4/1895. Martin Nestor. Farmer.

NESTOR, Patrick. 29/3/1894. Martin Nestor. Farmer.

FITZPATRICK, Ellen. 27/5/1895. James Fitzpatrick. Farmer.

FITZPATRICK, Margaret. 8/10/1893. James Fitzpatrick. Farmer.

FITZPATRICK, James. 8/7/1897. James Fitzpatrick. Farmer.

FITZPATRICK, Thomas. 27/3/1899. James Fitzpatrick. Farmer.

FITZPATRICK, Annie. 21/6/1901. James Fitzpatrick. Farmer.

JEFFERS, Raymond. 18/1/1893. Alexander Jeffers. Farmer. 

JEFFERS, Violet. 10/8/1894. Alexander Jeffers. Farmer

JEFFERS, Evelyn. 17/1/1900. Alexander Jeffers. Farmer

BAIN, Norman. 13/8/1895. James Bain. Farmer.

BAIN, Richard. 13/9/1898.James Bain. Farmer.

QUIGLEY, Bridget. 24/4/1896. Margaret Quigley. Farmer.

QUIGLEY, Agnes. 15/6/1899. Margaret Quigley. Farmer.

EVANS, Grace. 30/10/1898. James Evans. Farmer.

EVANS, Rupert. 27/12/1900. James Evans. Farmer.

WATSON, John. 14/8/1900. Robert Watson. Farmer.

FINNIGAN, Joseph. 22/10/1900. Joseph Finnigan. Farmer.

JEFFERS, Robert.15/1/1900. Robert Jeffers. Farmer.

JEFFERS, Thomas. 28/3/1901. Robert Jeffers. Farmer

DINEEN, Thomas. 7/9/1898. Michael Dineen. Farmer.

DINEEN, Adela. 3/6/1900. Michael Dineen. Farmer.

STRIBLING, Charles. 22/7/1897. Charles Stribling. Farmer.

HUGHES, Ruby.11/4/1897. Thomas Hughes. Farmer.

HUGHES, David. 11/8/1899. Thomas Hughes. Farmer.

JOHNSTON, Frank. 5/4/1899. William Johnston. Farmer.

JOHNSTON, Alberta. 26/2/1897. Henry Johnston. Farmer.

LEVISTON, Caroline. 22/11/1901. Benjamin Leviston. Farmer.

LEVISTON, Emily. 19/2/1896. Benjamin Leviston. Farmer.

TIERNEY, Patrick. 30/12/ 1893. Patrick Tierney. Farmer.

SCANLAN, Joseph. 25/7/1895. William Scanlan. Farmer.

SCANLAN, John. 25/5/1897. William Scanlan. Farmer.

LEVISTON, David. 21/10/1893. Benjamin Leviston. Farmer.

FISCHER, June. 14/1/1897. Walter Fischer. Farmer.

SCANLAN, Evelyn. 4/9/1899. William Scanlan. Farmer.

SMITH, Bertie. 9/12/1895. William Smith. Farmer.

MURDOCH, Arthur. 25/7/1898. George Murdoch. Storekeeper/Farmer.

MURDOCH, Mary. 31/8/1899. Storekeeper/Farmer.

MURDOCH, Hugh. 22/3/1902.  Storekeeper/Farmer.

JOHNSON, Tudor. 17/1/1895. Henry Johnson. Farmer. 

WALSH, Walter. 19/5/1901. Peter Walsh. Farmer.

JOHNSTON, Edwin. 18/1/1901. William Johnston. Farmer.

JOHNSTON, Esmonde. 5/5/1901. Henry Johnston. Farmer.

CARROLL, Michael. 20/12/1899. Michael Carroll. Farmer.

CLAPPERTON, Leslie.  19/07/1896. Thomas Clapperton.  Sergeant of Police. 

LEVISTON, Ernest. 03/08/1901. Ernest Leviston. Blacksmith.

The first mention of Cora Lynn that I could find in the newspapers was in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal of July 17, 1907 -
The Cora-Lynn folks are quite jubilant at having a daily mail running from Garfield. The time, I think, is not far distant when there will be a quite a little township at that place (6). 

The following two letters are from The Advocate of July 20, 1907. The Advocate was a Catholic newspaper which reported on and promoted Catholic interests. It was published from 1868 until 1990. The paper had a children’s column run by Aunt Patsy, which published letters and poems from school children. They had a club called the Magic Fairy Boat Club which the children could join. Aunt Patsy referred to all the children as her nieces and nephews, they called her aunty and referred to all the other children in the Club as their cousins. 

Cora Lynn, l/7/1907.
Dear Aunt Patsy,
It is a long time since I last wrote to you, so I thought I would write to you again. I am going to a new school now: I like it very much. Our teacher's name is Mr. M'Gibbon, and we all like him exceedingly. There are 38 children going to school. It was opened after the Christmas holidays. I have two sisters and two brothers going to school with me. We are getting a shelter-shed put up at our school. We are going to have Arbour Day at the school on Friday next; we expect it will be a fine day. We have got a loose bag from Garfield to the school, and we can get our mail there. I will bring my letter to a close, hoping you and the curly-headed captain are well,
I remain, your loving niece, Ellen M. E. Fitzpatrick

Cora Lynn, I/7/1907.
Dear Aunt Patsy,
This is the first letter I have written to you. I hope you will accept me as one of your many nieces. My parents take the ''Advocate" every week; I like reading the Children's Corner very much. My sister has written to you before, so I thought I would write, too. On the 10th of this month, our little twin babies will be twelve months old; their names are Michael John and Francis. I go to the Koo-wee-rup Central State School with my brothers and sisters. Our teacher's name is Mr. M'Gibbon, and we all like him very much. The name of our school is going to be changed to Cora Lynn. We have to walk 1¾ miles to school. I will bring my letter to a close, with love to yourself and the curly-headed captain,
I remain, your would-be niece, Margaret Emma Veronica Fitzpatrick (7). 

As Ellen mentioned in her letter to Aunt Patsy, a shelter shed was to be erected at the school and the South Bourke & Mornington Journal of August 21, 1907 reported that -
A dance will be held at the Cora Lynn. Shelter Shed on Friday evening to raise funds to meet the building expenses. As this is a worthy object it is to be hoped that the dance will be a success (8).

On November 16, 1907 this letter written to ‘Uncle Ben’ was published in the Weekly Times, foreshadowing the new store that was to be built in the town.

Cora Lynn, 7th October
Dear Uncle Ben,
This is the first time I have written to you. I would very much like to see my letter published in "The Weekly Times." I go to school every day, and I am in the second class. I have two miles to walk to school. We have a football at school, and we have great fun with it. My father is getting a new store built in Cora Lynn. It will only be about two chains from the school. We are having lovely weather here now. The grass is looking beautiful in the paddocks. My sister has a little pet lamb. There are a good many hares about here. My father shot one yesterday. There are a great many snakes here this season. I killed a small one last week. With love to yourself, Aunt Connie and the little children in the cots
I remain your loving friend, Arthur Murdoch, aged 10 years and 3 months (9).


Footnotes:
(1) This information comes from Des Dineen
(2) Blake, Les Place names of Victoria (Rigby, 1977)
(3) Blake, L. J (editor) Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, (Education Department of Victoria, 1973)
(4) The Age, September 1, 1909, see here.
(5) School locations and addresses come from the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; Birth, Death, and Marriage information comes from the Victorian Indexes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages; wedding information is from the Geelong Advertiser, December 30, 1911, see here; his death date comes from the Geelong Cemeteries Trust website, gct.net.au
(6) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, July 17, 1907, see here.
(7) The Advocate, July 20, 1907, see here.
(8) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, August 21, 1907, see here.
(9) Weekly Times, November 7, 1907, see here.

James Rouse selects land on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp

In July 1903 my great grandfather, James Rouse, took up 60 acres at Lot 29, Section N, Parish of Koo Wee Rup East. It was on Sinclair Road (now called Bennett Road) at Cora Lynn. 

James Rouse (1862-1939)

James Rouse's original lease on Lot 29, Section N, Parish of Koo Wee Rup.

4817/130.383 James Rouse Public Office of Victoria Land Selection and Correspondence files

VPRS 5357 Consignment number: P0000 Unit number:3659

The block was inadequately drained and in December 1903 James wrote to the Land Board requesting that he be able to swap Lot 29, for Lot 25, which is on the corner of Murray Road and Bennett Road. This land is still in the family, now owned by James' great grand daughter, Karen, and her husband. I have transcribed the letter, below.

James' letter to the Land Board dated December 29, 1903 (page 1).

4817/130.383 James Rouse Public Office of Victoria Land Selection and Correspondence files

VPRS 5357 Consignment number: P0000 Unit number:3659

29/12/03,

Hon. Sir,

Some months ago I obtained at the Land Board held on July 2, at Longwarry a block of land upon the Kooweerup Swamp, no. 29, section N on the plan. The block is supposed to be drained on 3 sides, it is only drained on one, the south side, by a drain east and west. The drain is about two feet six deep. This is of no earthly use to me, the land is useless as I cannot get on to it. I most respectfully ask that you will allow me to change it for block 25 sec N, giving me credit upon it the money I paid on the other. I am willing to pay the difference in price and I also ask that it be given me under conditional purchase. 

I have now been living here nearly 4 months hoping I  might be able to get on the land but I am as far off it as ever. The drains ought to be at least 6 ft deep so as  to let  a person drain into it. Hoping for a quick reply as the summer is now passing on, 

I remain

Yours truly,

James Rouse    Bunyip South.

Cora Lynn, Vervale and Iona were all known as Bunyip South at this time.

James' letter to the Land Board dated December 29, 1903 (page 2).

4817/130.383 James Rouse Public Office of Victoria Land Selection and Correspondence files

VPRS 5357 Consignment number: P0000 Unit number:3659

James' letter to the Land Board dated December 29, 1903 (page 3).

4817/130.383 James Rouse Public Office of Victoria Land Selection and Correspondence files

VPRS 5357 Consignment number: P0000 Unit number:3659

This is the new lease on Lot 25, Section N, Parish of Koo Wee Rup.

4817/130.383 James Rouse Public Office of Victoria Land Selection and Correspondence files

VPRS 5357 Consignment number: P0000 Unit number:3659

James Rouse was born July 26, 1862 at Stratford on Avon in England and died at Cora Lynn on August 29, 1939. He had married Annie Glover of Clydebank (Victoria) on February 2, 1892 and they had five children. Sadly Annie, born July 7, 1865 died on February 7, 1899 aged 33, after she was thrown from a buggy when a horse bolted, in early December 1898. The children were - my grandfather, Joseph Albert Rouse who was born at Clydebank on November 9, 1892 and died September 3, 1954; Emily, born December 20, 1893 and she was found drowned in the Yarra on August 24, 1919 at the age of 25; Lucy, born September 2, 1895 died October 27, 1981. We knew her very well and saw a lot of her. She was living at Garfield when she died; Ruth, died aged 6 months on February 22, 1898. Annie was pregnant at the time of her accident and the baby, their fifth child, little Annie, was born prematurely and lived only a few weeks.  Joe had come with his Dad to Cora Lynn, Emily and Lucy remained in Clydebank or Sale (not sure where) for a few years with some Glover aunties.

Letters to Aunt Patsy in the Advocate newspaper

The Advocate was Catholic newspaper which reported on and promoted Catholic interests. It was published from 1868 until 1990. The paper had a children’s column run by Aunt Patsy, which published letters and poems from school children. They had a club called the Magic Fairy Boat Club which the children could join. Aunt Patsy referred to all the children as her nieces and nephews, they called her aunty and referred to all the other children in the Club as their cousins.  The children were also encouraged to collect money for the Fund for Destitute Children, Surrey Hills, an orphanage. Many letters included donations and best wishes to the little orphans. There was also a library that the children could subscribe to. The library stocked Catholic books and magazines.

The start of the Aunt Patsy column.

The Advocate January 6, 1900 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169863947

Here are some local letters to Aunty Patsy which describe life in Garfield, other local towns and what it was like being a child 100 or so years ago.

This is from 12 year old Mary Goulding, published June 2, 1906.  I live near Garfield, a railway station on the main line from Melbourne to Bairnsdale. The township consists of two grocers' shops, two blacksmiths' shops, one bootmaker's shop, one baker's shop, one coffee palace, one bank, two butchers' shops, and a hotel. We live a mile from St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The Rev. Fr. Byrne is our parish priest. He lives in the presbytery…. My little brother, aged ten, can milk for the last four years. We have fourteen cows, and one horse.

Catholic Church, Hall and Presbytery at Iona.

 Image from 100 years of a faith community: St Joseph’s Iona 1905 -2005 by Damian Smith (The Author, 2005)

Mary Goulding was published a few times and on July 14, 1906, she talked about her school. She attended Garfield State School where Mr. Daly is our head teacher. He is very kind to us. She also had an interesting description of a family trip to Ballarat. On September 8, 1906, Mary had another letter published the weather is becoming gradually milder now and the farmers up here are very busy ploughing their land, and getting ready to sow their crops This land is becoming more valuable lately. Some of it had attained the high price of £40 per acre, and some building allotments were sold at £150 per acre. I saw a motor car passing by a few days ago. It belongs to Captain A'Beckett of Bunyip. We have got some nice sand roads here now, heading to Garfield and Bunyip. On November 17, 1906, Mary wrote I have another little brother, three years old, and he is always watching an opportunity to kill the young turkeys and chickens. This sounds a bit alarming, but perhaps that was normal behaviour for young children in those days!

Mary’s brother Cornelius also wrote to Aunt Patsy, he had an interesting description of the Iona Catholic Church - We have a very nice altar in our church. The statue of the Blessed Virgin is in a little altar at the left-hand side, and all around the church are the Stations of the Cross. Cornelius then goes on to say I had nice little curls when I started to go to school, however he was only six and half so we can forgive him this non sequitur. 

On October 6, 1906, Ellen May Elizabeth Fitzpatrick wrote to Aunt Patsy and described Iona I am going to tell you about Iona. There are three stores, one Catholic church and presbytery; a new Hibernian Hall is getting built, one school (there's a new school nearly finished), one mechanics' institute, a new bank, a cream depot, and a post-office. Ellen wrote again on October 5, 1907, this time about Cora Lynn - There will be a township at Cora Lynn soon. Mr Murdoch is building a store there, and there are a lot of houses going up, too. On September 26, 1908, Ellen wrote about additions to the Church - We have a new organ and two statues, one of Jesus and Joseph, and one of our Blessed Lady. Ellen also wrote on December 19,1908 -   We saw a hawk take lizards and little birds into a hollow tree, so I climbed to see what was in it. When I got up to it there were five young ones in it. We brought them home, but mother would not let me keep them; she said the old hawks would kill the chickens.  In reply Aunt Patsy said I hope you put the young birds back in the nest. Even a mother hawk has feelings, Ellen!

Bridget Quigley of Cora Lynn wrote October 27, 1907, I go to a State school, and am in the fourth class. Our teacher's name is Mr. M'Gibbon. We are milking five cows, and have five little calves. We have about two and a half miles to walk to school.

This letter is from Elsie McKendry of Bunyip and shows the reality of farm life - I had a pet Iamb, but dadda sold it to the butcher; he came and took it away one day I was at school. I called it Daisy. Aunt Patsy wrote - Am sorry you lost your pet lamb. They grow to be sheep too soon (May 22, 1909).

More girls than boys wrote to Aunt Pasty, but here is another from one of her ‘nephews’, nine year old Robert Stanley Jeffers, who had this short description of the Swamp - It is a reclaimed swamp, and farmers all over it grow potatoes, onions, and oats. (July 31, 1909)

Katie Negus wrote from Garfield and enclosed a poem for publication. One of Katie’s poems had been published before, but Aunt Patsy did not like this one and told her You ought to make up your mind to study the best poetry, and it would help you to do better work (January 29, 1910). However, Katie was not deterred by this and wrote a few times more to Aunt Patsy telling about the recent confirmation of herself and her sister Eileen. Katie took the name Agnes as her confirmation name and Eileen that of Anne and then she added I hope with God's help, that we will imitate their lives. Katie also wrote that she successfully passed her exams and was awarded the Merit certificate and Katie praised her teacher, Mr Daly, of the Garfield State School but I think most praise is due to our good teacher, Mr. Daly, who tries very hard for our welfare. (December 17, 1910)

January 20, 1912, Joseph Finnigan from Cora Lynn wrote to Aunt Patsy I have lately taken an interest in reading books, as I am now eleven year of age. We have a children's library at the State school, but I do not care for them very much. Will you kindly send me "How They Made a Man of Johnny," or another suitable book. Aunt Patsy replied Have sent you two boys books. Yes, stick to your own Catholic library.

We will end with this letter from Mary Scanlon which was published on August 22, 1914 - I am learning music, and I go to my lesson every Saturday with my aunty. We have to drive about three miles, and the drive is lovely now, as all the wattles are in bloom; so, if you will let me know where to send some blossom for Wattle Day, aunty and I will send along some. My aunty (N. Cunningham) used to be one of your nieces one time…..Cora Lynn is, a small town ship. It consists of one store, hall, bank, school, factory, and several dwellings, also a very big canal, which sometimes overflows, and does a lot of harm to the residents.

All the letters quoted here are on this Trove list which I compiled, see it here.

Cora Lynn in flood

This postcard was  sent by my grandfather, Joseph Rouse, to his uncle Bob, Robert Rouse. Joe was born in November 1892 and he and his father, James, arrived at Cora Lynn in July 1903 (read about this here).  The post card shows Cora Lynn in flood, possibly the June 1911 flood. The building on the right is the E.S & A Bank. I believe it opened around the same time as the Cora Lynn Cheese factory, which was December 1910 or early January 1911.

This is what was written on the post card. It doesn't sound like Grandpa was much of  a correspondent.

Cora Lynn Thursday 8th 

Dear Uncle Bob,
Just a  few lines to ask how you are all getting on write and let me now (sic) as soon as you can and I will write again. Dan Tierney told me to write years ago but I have never done so. This card was taken in the time of the flood last year you can see Tierney's house the furthest away with the pine trees in front. I will close with love to all for  now. I remain your loving nephew, Joseph Rouse.

What happened in Koo Wee Rup in 1911

This is a look at what happened in Koo-Wee-Rup and surrounding areas one hundred years ago, in 1911. These references are taken from various papers on-line at http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper

On January 9, The Argus reported that The maize crops on the Koo-wee-rup Swamp have been completely destroyed by a plague of caterpillars. The cabbages and potatoes arc now being attacked.  More more bad news for the local farmers was reported in The Argus on February 7 - Potato diggers on Koo-wee-rup Swamp have ceased work, owing to Irish blight being discovered in the district, and many of the men have taken their departure for other potato districts. Strict measures have been taken by the Government to prevent the disease from spreading, and also to prevent potatoes affected form being marketed. This was not the end to the disastrous season the local farmers were having because The Argus reported on March 23 that the potato blight was also attacking carrot crops. To top if off the Weekly Times of March 25 reported that due to prevalence of pleuro-pneumonia among cattle, the sale yards at Koo-wee-rup and Lang Lang have been closed. It wasn't until May that the sale yards were re-opened after the outbreak had been checked.

Continuing on with the ordinary year, on June 12, The Argus reported that Main Drain (or Koo Wee Rup canal as it was called) had overflowed at Cora Lynn and flooded the surrounding area. There was also one foot of water in the newly built Mechanics' Institute (Public Hall). As we can see from the later report, below, this postponed the official opening of the Hall. This report said there was three feet of water through the Hall. The Hall was officially opened in August - the event was presided over by Shire President, Cr W. Carney and official guests were W.S Keast, M.L.A, after whom the hall was named and Mrs Keast. This was reported on in The Argus of August 9, 1911.

The Argus June 14, 1911

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10909711

In other matters not connected to farming or floods, The Argus of February 10, 1911 reported on a Victorian first for the town of Cora Lynn - The parents of children at the Cora Lynn State School, in Gippsland, have secured the distinction of appointing the first school committee in Victoria under the new Education Act passed last year which provides for the constitution of such committees in place of the old boards of advice. Well done, Cora Lynn! You can read the full article, here.

On October 7, The Argus reported on a a proposed extension of the railway line from Nar Nar Goon to Cora Lynn and on through the Gippsland Country - that never happened! There was later report on October 17 (read it here) that said the proposed line was to go from Cora Lynn to Modella and then onto Mirboo.

The Argus October 7, 1911

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11622072

We will end on a sad note, on October 26, The Argus reported on the sad news that the body of a newly-born male child in an outhouse there. Constable Watt had taken the body to the Morgue, and a post-mortem examination had shown that suffocation was the cause of death. I can't find a follow-up report so we don't know who this unfortunate little child was.

Ball held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Keast Hall, Cora Lynn

The Koo-Wee-Rup Sun of August 9, 1961 had a report on a ball to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Keast Hall at Cora Lynn. 

I have transcribed the article which includes a list of some of the people who attended and even more interesting, to me, a description of some of the dresses the women wore.

50^th Anniversary of Keast Hall

Large Crowd at Cora Lynn Ball

A chance look into the old records of the Keast Hall at Cora Lynn revealed that August 4th, the date chosen for the 40 and Over Ball, was also the 50th anniversary of the opening of the hall.

Such a momentous occasion could not go un-noticed and last minute arrangements were made to invite a number of old settlers, as well as many former residents. The ball and subsequent reunion turned out to be one of the biggest social occasions in the history of Cora Lynn.

Special guests at the ball were two of the original committeemen, Mr. T.Walsh who resides in Warragul, and Mr. W. Porter, of Bentleigh. Well known Cardinia personality, Mr."Bumpa" Gee was also a guest of honour, as he played the piano for the first dance ever held at the hall. Another surviving committeeman, Mr. Murdoch of Koo Wee Pup, was unable to attend and sent his apologies.

Conducted for the third year, the 40 and over ball is increasing is popularity each year and, as well as catering almost exclusively for this age group, seems to be somewhat of a Cora Lynn re-union as well.

Dineen's orchestra played for the dances which were sprinkled with a liberal dose of old-time numbers. Mr. Jim McDonald, secretary of the Cora Lynn Football Club, was MC for the evening. Mr. Matt Garbellini got a loud round of applause for his harmonica numbers as did Mr "Bumpa" Gee when he was pianist for a couple of the dances.

During the evening a circular waltz competition, judged by Mr. Roy O'Shaughnessy of Bunyip,was won by Mr. and Mrs.Wally Cowell of Nar Nar Goon, from a number of other contestants.

Important interlude in the evening's proceedings came when a lovely golden jubilee cake decorated with 50 candles, was brought into the hall. Mr. Dan Kinsella, Mr. and Mrs. W.Porter, Mr. "Bumpa" Gee and Mr. T. Walsh all gathered round the cake for the cutting ceremony.

Mr. Kinsella said he was just speechless to think that 50 years had past since the opening of the hall. He said he was delighted to be in the company of so many old-timers, former residents and friends, to celebrate a most momentous occasion in the history of Cora Lynn. Mr. Kinsella then read out the apologies from Mr. G. Murdoch of Koo Wee Rup, Cr. Ray Jeffers, Mayor of Dandenong, and Mr. Les Jeffers of Geelong, whose father Mr. A.Jeffers was one of the original committeemen.

Mr. Kinsella said that, although the district had had experienced hard times it had developed into a very fine area, largely due to the confidence of the early selectors, who set to and worked to clear and drain the land. Mr.Kinsella said that Cora Lynn to him was "in the centre of the Garden of Eden."

Mr. Kinsella paid tribute to Mrs. Dillon who had organised the ball for the Cora Lynn Football Club in such an efficient way.

 Mr. Tom Walsh expressed his pleasure at attending such a wonderful function and told several amusing anecdotes of the old days at Cora Lynn. Mr.Porter also said how much he was enjoying the evening amongst his old friends.

Who was there

The Berwick Shire President Cr. Templeton and Mrs. Templeton: Cr. And Mrs. E. Towt; Cr. and Mrs. J. Fallon; Cr. and Mrs. Wakenshaw; Cr. And Mrs. Dan Cunningham; Cr and Mrs. L. J. Cochrane; Cr. and Mrs. P., B. Fechner; Mrs. P. Johnson, Melbourne (cousin of Mrs. F. Egan); Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lawler and daughter Bernadette of Morland (formerly of Koo Wee Rup); Mr.and Mrs. Jack McClure of Werribee (formerly of Koo Wee Rup). Mrs. Lawler and Mrs. McClure are sisters of Mr. Tom Burton of Koo Wee Rup. Miss C. H Egan, Koo Wee Rup; Mrs O'Hehir (snr.) Pakenham Road; Mrs. Whiteside Koo Wee Rup; Mrs. and Mrs. Bill Rodbur of Frankston; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Holley; Mr.and Mrs. Kappler of Melbourne; Mr. Dave Harker of Warragul; Mr. and Mrs.Lindsay Leamon of Drouin (Mrs. Leamon was Phyllis Clark of Monomeith); Mrs Bill Doherty of Pascoe Vale (former Cora Lynn resident); Mr. and Mrs Pringle of Lang Lang (Mrs. Pringle was formerly Elva Watson of Cora jynn). Mr. Steve Watson of Frankston. Mrs. Harvey (formerly Muriel Watson). Mrs. Boyd of Adelaide (formerly Nellie Marshall of Cora Lynn).

Some of the frocks

Mrs. Frank Egan wore a deep blue frock featuring an embroidered bodice; Mrs. D. Kinsella's brocade frock was in green and black tones; Mrs. Wakenshaw wore a pink camellia as a colour note on her black frock and jacket; Mrs. W. Frawley’s frock was in vivid ming blue.

Fur trimmed the collar and cuffs of Mrs. Rodbur's strawberry wool frock; Mrs. Towt wore a grey fur coat with her long pink frock splashed with deeper pink roses; Mrs. Les Egan's short frock was of rose pink lace over satin, over which she wore a fur cape;  Mrs. Ted Holley chose olive green silk faille for her frock; Mrs. Bill Giles (Manks Road) wore a frock of filmy black and white patterned nylon.

Mrs. B. Broadbent's frock was in a pale champagne chiffonelle, and featured a floating scarf caught at the shoulder; Mrs. Jack Sewell's frock featured a shell pink lace bodice allied to a black skirt; Black embroidered nylon fashioned Mrs. J.Huntingford's frock; Mrs Eddie Dillon's ballerina was made from vivid pink satin; Mrs. G. Davis of Pakenham South wore a deep burgandie velvet frock. Mrs. Vin Doherty's sheath frock was in woody tones of brown and green; Coffee lace over satin fashioned Mrs. Sil Finnigan's frock. A black nylon ballerina embossed with sunrays was Mrs. P. Dillon's choice; Mrs. Lawler's frock had a tiered skirt and was made of black lace over royal blue satin; Mrs. Summers wore a necklet of crystal beads with her flame velvet frock;  Mrs. J. Fallon wore a fur stole with her ink blue and lilac brocade gown; Pakenham resident Mrs. Jack Brown wore a fur jacket with her black velvet frock;  Mrs. Matt Garbellini wore a long frock of pastel blue embossed organza; Mrs. Pringle of Lang Lang wore a floral frock in blue, rose pink and green tonings;  Mrs. Duncan of Koo Wee Rup wore pale mauve gloves with her pure silk taffeta ballerina in deeper violet tonings. 

Supper rounded off a wonderful evening, and included many varieties of hot savouries.