Rosewood History
ANNUAL EVENTS
Rosewood Show
The Rosewood Show – An exhibition of sorts was held in July 1877 in the old school house at Rosewood Gate. Dan Desbois, the first school master, was the Secretary of the committee. No animals were shown. It was described as being like a “Paddy’s Market” with farmer’s displaying their produce.
The first show under the auspices of the Farmers’ Club was held on 2nd August 1878 in the school room at Rosewood Gate. The next year the Show was held at the town’s first showgrounds on land which is now part of St Brigid’s complex.
In 1908 the town secured a new piece of land for the show grounds, and through a series of working bees, some necessary buildings were erected. The first show was held there in 1909.
The Jubilee Show was held in July 1927.
During the first 50 years, only two shows had been cancelled; one on account of influenza and the other because of bad weather.
In 1952 a “gate” record was set with the largest crowds on record flocking to the 69th Show. The gate takings of £403 exceeded the previous year by £15.
Christmas
An annual event which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on 25th December and is also a celebration of joy and togetherness.
14th December 1907 – A Christmas tree was exhibited and a fancy fair was held in the Farmers’ Hall on Saturday afternoon and evening. Great preparations had been made for some weeks past by the Women’s Guild of the Church of England at Rosewood, and every member had worked assiduously to make the affair a certain success, which it turned out to be.
Last year the ladies netted a profit of £15, but, by their effiorts on Saturday last, the rectory fund will benefit to the extent of over £40. The ladies were assisted in the preparation of the hall by the following gentlemen: Messrs. J. Thompson, W. and R. Blackmore, J. W. Watkins, A. Rodgers and L. Sorrell, and, when completed, the building presented quite an artistic and attractive appearance.
The Christmas tree, which was donated by Mr. A. Embrey, was resplendent with hundreds of toys, and the various stalls looked very gay with the numerous and beautiful articles very prettily displayed. The fancy stall was presided over by Mrs. J. W. Watkins and she was ably assisted by Mesdames A. Selwyn Ogg, Sorrell, and Jobson, and Misses Elsie Ruhno and Nelly Thompson. The doll stall was under the care of Mrs. Anderson (wife of Dr. Anderson), and Mrs. Attkins (wife of the Rev. A. E. Attkins), who were assisted by Miss Marian Bourke. The refreshment stall was under the charge of Mesdames Jacobs, Rodgers, and M’Geary. The ice-creams were daintily served by Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and iced “soft” drinks by Mesdames Sellars and White and Misses Blackmore and Forde. The photograph stall, with views of Rosewood, was presided over by Mrs. Bevan, assisted by Misses Nellie and Jessie Burns. The post and telegraph department was under the management of Miss Blaine and Mr. R. Blackmore, assisted by Masters Harold Watkins and R. Akes. The fairy well wans attended to by Misses Tomlin, Adams, and Dolly Blackmore; whilst the bran pie was managed by Misses Akes (two) and Misses Embrey (two).
Other attractions were pinning the donkey’s tail under the superintendence of Mr. R. Elliott; drawing the pig (supervised by Miss Edie Rodgers), microscope views (Mr. Alfred Embrey), guessing doll’s name (Miss M. Lane), hat-trimming by gentlemen, and nail-driving, and wood-sawing by ladies.
A very attractive feature of the evening, was the display of cakes and sweets, which were judged by the Misses Frederich, of Marburg, who expressed surprise at the excellence of the exhibits and of the prizes for them, which had been generously donated by local gentlemen.
The tree exhibition was opened at 4 o’clock by the rector, the Rev. A. E. Attkins. In the evening the hall was crowded.
Easter
A annual Christian commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox so the date varies from year to year.(Betweeen March 22nd and April 25th)
11th April 1882 – The village of Rosewood was quite a lively place on Easter Monday. The annual games or sports were held on the reserve between the railway and the creek. The first train from Brisbane brought up a large number of visitors “on pleasure bent”, and the goods train arriving here about 1 p.m. had three carriages attached, by which about sixty passengers came up who were left behind in the morning. The down train also brought considerable numbers from Grandchester, Laidley, and other places up the line. The performers and spectators enjoyed the amusements, which were kept up with great spirit throughout the day. Two booths on the ground supplied refreshment to the thirsty crowd, some of whom became a little rowdy towards evening, but there was nothing serious enough to warrant the interference of the police. On the whole the sports passed off in a very quiet and orderly manner, and appeared to give satisfaction to everybody. This was owing chiefly to the indefatigable exertions of Messrs. McGeary and Ludlow, who take a lively interest in the management of these sports.A number of cricketers from Ipswich-the Denmark Hill Club came up to try a game with the Rosewood boys, in which, as usual, the latter were successful.
St Patrick’s Day
(Feast of Saint Patrick) – Celebrated on 17th March, the death date of Saint Patrick in the year 461 and commemorates of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of the colour green.
18th March 1940 – A large crowd attended the Irish dance which was held in the Farmers’ Hall as part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Music was supplied by an orchestra, comprising Mrs. S. Trewick (piano), Messrs. F. Prior (saxophone), and R. Harvey (drums). Extras were played by Mrs. L. Baker. Mr. P. McGreevy was M.C. A euchre tournament supervised by Mr. A. Shearer, was held in the supper pavilion. Prize winners were Mrs. S. Edwards (ladies) and Mr. V. J. Bourke (men). Because of the weather, the St. Patrick’s Day sports, which were to have been held this afternoon, were postponed for a fortnight.
1949 – Rosewood will hold the greatest St Patrick’s Day carnival since pre-war days on Sunday, March 13th. The best representative gathering of Queensland’s leading athletes to appear outside the metropolitan area will give a State championship atmosphere to Rosewood. Rosewood will see nearly 30 of Brisbane’s best athletes in the St. Patrick’s Day sports meeting.
Most prominent of the visitors will be junior star, Morry Nolan (B.), whose consistent times rank him as the State’s best sprinter. State high jump stars John Loveday (V.), and Tom Sweeney (B.) improving exponents of the Eastern, cut-off style, will provide patrons with a splendid exhibition. Versatile athletes and rival broad jumpers, Hector Hogan (B.), and Alan Wigfull (E. S.), should continue their close duels. Ray Cole (T.),. Kevin Hansen (B.), and Graham Arnold (M. H.), are likely to provide thrills in the distance events. Sprinters John Beech (E. S.), and Don Whittred (G.P.S.) will add to the flavour of the carnival. If the brilliant Mayne pair, Lionel Eastaughffe and Kevin Tibbits, make the trip, Rosewood enthusiasts will see the best middle-distance prospects Queensland has produced. This pair hold both Queensland and New South Wales titles, and created a great impression in Sydney during the National titles. Other athletes have been drawn from six clubs — Brothers, Easts, G.P.S., Mayne, Toowong and Varsity. Athletes will leave Central Station at 9.25 a.m. on Sunday.
Separation Day
Separation Day was celebrated as a public holiday on 10th December from 1860 to 1920. It was the anniversary of Sir George Ferguson Bowen, first Governor of Queensland, proclaiming the State of Queensland. (Picnics, Tea-meetings, Sports)
1873 – On Separation Day some seventeen gentlemen proceeded to the Rosewood Scrub for the purpose of shooting flying-foxes. When they got to the appointed place, they found that a misunderstanding had occured as to the camp of the animals, which was at no less a distance than Buaraba. The sportsmen, who proceeded to the farm of Mr. Jamieson, were well received by that gentleman, and turned themselves into a picnic party, and we hear spent a very pleasant day. It is still intended to have a day’s shooting at the foxes, either on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day, as a camp of them is known to exist at Little Pine Mountain.
Empire Day
Later Commonwealth Day, it began 24th May 1905. The day was celebrated with a public holiday from 1912 in Rosewood. It was a celebration of the British Empire. The date of Queen Victoria’s birthday. (Picnics, Dances, Sports)
24th May 1906 – Empire Day was observed in the Rosewood State School by the head teacher, Mr. J. W. Watkins delivering an interesting address to the scholars on “The British Empire” before dismissing them. The Union Jack was hoisted, and the event was further commemorated by the teachers and the senior scholars planting trees in the school paddock. Twenty-five silky-oaks (grevillea robusta) were planted,.the young trees having been raised from seed by the head-teacher. It is hoped that the appearance of the school-grounds will be considerably improved when the trees have grown.
Queensland Patriotic Day
The day was celebrated on 28th August 1915. A fundraiser for the relief, or assistance of the officers and soldiers of His Majesty the King, or of any of His Majesty’s Allies, engaged in the Great War.
1915 – Patriotic Day was observed as a public holiday, and the sports, &c, on the showgrounds were largely attended. A procession headed by Mounted Constable Nicholls marched to the grounds at 10 a.m., and it. included the local cadets, Red Cross Society, Ambulance Brigade, Shire Councillors, decorated vehicles, and the children engaged in the children’s displays. At the grounds Mr. H. M. Stevens, M.L.A., and Councillor Coulson (Chairman of the Shire Council) addressed the gathering, as they did also at the Town Hall at night, when the proceeds of Mr Kirwan’s, picture show were devoted to the Patriotic Funds, the total amount in hand to date is £280, and this will to increased to £300 before the final returns are to hand. The Red Cross Society conducted the refreshment and luncheon booths. A mock police court, under the jurisdiction of Mr G. H. Dutney, caused much excitement and the roster of fines stowed the handsome profit of £19 odd for the funds. A Paddy’s market was also held, the auctioneer being Mr R. Elliot. In the hall at night a presentation of a wristlet watch was made by the shire councillors to Sergeant Adams, late shire clerk, who is now at Enoggera camp. Councillor Coulson commended Private Adams for his action in volunteering. Miss Kingston, the “accredited Queen” of the Rosewood function, fastened the memento on the recipient’s arm.
Queensland Day
Queensland Day is observed on 6th June every year, the anniversary of Queen Victoria signing the Letters Patent to create Queensland on 6th June 1859. The State’s birthday.
Coronation Day
22nd June 1911 – The Coronation of King George 5th and Queen Mary in Westminster Abbey, London.
27th June 1911 – The Rev. Father Wright read with pride the Archbishop’s letter on the subject of the Coronation and said that there was little else to add to His Grace’s letter. They were all present that morning to assist at the sacrifice of the Mass, and join in almost universal rejoicing at the event to be celebrated that day. On this day Catholics could rejoice wholeheartedly because that clause of the accession oath so antagonistic and offensive to to the Catholic religion had been eliminated. Another reason of rejoicing to Irish people and Irish descendants was that there was every prospect of Home Rule for Ireland for which they had worked for and hoped so long, being granted during this reign. He therefore asked them to offer their fervent prayers for the heart and strength of the King about to be crowned, and for blessings of peace and prosperity in the reign about to be inaugurated.
2nd June 1953 – The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey, London.
On that day Ipswich was gripped by a spontaneous enthusiasm never before witnessed. After a day of activities celebrating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11, over 20,000 people, the largest crowd in Ipswich’s history, assembled in the streets that night. At 8.45p.m. the local scout groups fired beacons at Mt Flinders and Mt Crosby. The Rosewood Scouts provided another link in the State-wide chain when they fired beacons from Perry’s Knob.
25th May 1953 – The Rosewood Coronation Celebrations Committee, at a meeting in the State School on Friday night, decided to obtain a 16mm. coloured film of the procession at Rosewood, and one of the celebrations at the showground. The films will be left in the care of the Rosewood State School, and will be lent to other schools in the district as required for screening, provided no charge was made to view the screening. Mr. P. E. Freeman presided, and 13 members attended. Messrs. R. Burgess. N. Rackley, J. Harding, W. H. Leslie, and G. Freeman were appointed marshals of the procession. The Secretary (Mr. A. E. Smith) was instructed to have 1000 copies of the proclamation printed. It was decided to consider the possibility of giving a portrait of Queen Elizabeth to each school participating in the Rosewood and district school sports. Mr. P. Lacey offered to provide a flagpole for use at the showgrounds. The President and Secretary were authorised to transact any business which might arise before the celebrations.
4th August 1953 – A Coronation Maypole afternoon, organised by the Junior Girls’ Friendly Society and Sunday School, organised by the senior G.F.S. and Women’s Guild was held in the grounds of St. Luke’s Church of England. A spectacular item was the tableau formed by 16 girls in white dresses, who waited for their Fairy Queen (Leonie Walters) to parade. While she sat on her flower-trimmed throne they sang “The Fairies Gavotte” followed by dancing of the maypole. Three small girls – Barbara Kleve, Carolyn Waters and Frances Quinlivan acted as fairies and those who carried the arches through which the Queen and her attendants walked, were Shirley Stephan, Susan and Janet Isles, Lenora and Evelyn Mogensen. Other items were Ruby Schmidt as Britannia, and several songs and recitations. Competitions were won by Mesdames A. Stephan, K. Clare, A. O. Loveday. Rev. and Mrs. Fraser Ham were present.
Band assembling for the Coronation Day Parade, Rosewood, 1953
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is a day on which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. August 1st was designated as Arbor Day in the Queensland schools’ calendar in 1890 by the Government. It was found to be unsuitable for planting trees in some parts of Queensland and it was suggested by the Department of Instruction that May 1 would provide a more suitable date to accomodate the varying climatic conditions.
9th June 1933 – Arbor day was celebrated at the Rosewood State School. Special lessons and instruction on how and what to plant were given by the teachers. Several trees (Silky Oaks) secured from the Marburg Rural School Forestry Plot were planted by the pupils and guard rails erected.
9th May 1951 – At the Ashwell School trees were planted by, Mr. E. Bassett and the Australian flag was hoisted by Trevor Blake. Mr. E. Krause (Chairman of the committee) handed the Jubilee booklets to the seventh grade scholars. The medals had not arrived in time to be distributed. Folk dancing and a sketch were given by the scholars. Clive Greet represented Australia, and Roy Bassett was the radio announcer. Many took part in the fancy dress parade. Games were played and ice cream and soft drinks were given to the children. The children were trained by the Head Teacher (Mr. J. Howe). Parents and members of the committee were present. Refreshments, which took the form of a basket picnic, were enjoyed. Much amusement was caused by some of the old-time costumes.
Foundation Day/Australia Day
Celebrated on 26th January, it marks the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788. The use of the term “Australia Day” was first adopted in 1935. The Holidays Act Amendment Bill, which altered the name of Australia’s national day from Foundation Day to Australia Day, was read a second time in Parliament on 3rd October 1935 and put through its committee stages without discussion. The third reading was fixed for Tuesday 8th. On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian.
1923 – On Foundation Day, a tennis team from the firm of Messrs. Cribb and Foote, Ipswich, visited Rosewood and played an all day match with the town tennis club. The visitors scored a win by 32, although the game was much keener than the scores indicate. Mr. Tongue captained Cribb and Foote’s team and Mr. T. Quirk the home team. During the day the visitors were entertained at dinner at the Comino’s Cafe. Mr. G. Nolan presided, and in a brief speech welcomed the visitors, his remarks being supported by Mr. J. Reddan. In responding, Mr. Tongue thanked the Rosewood players for the good time given the team during their stay in the town.
1935 – On Foundation Day a motor trip to Mt. Crosby, organised by St. Brigid’s Church parishioners, took place. The party, which numbered about 60, accompanied by Rev. Father O’Rourke, left Rosewood about 9 a.m. and travelled via Ipswich to Mt. Crosby. Permission had been granted by the Brisbane City Council for the visitors to be shown over the waterworks. There was keen interest by young and old in the working of the huge pumps, and methods used to purify the city’s supply. After inspection of the waterworks, the party proceeded to College’s Crossing, where a basket picnic was held. The remainder of the day was spent in fishing and swimming at the popular resort.
Anzac Day
Anzac Day began 25th April 1916 (Street Parade) – The anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli in 1915 and a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.
1953 – The Rosewood Anzac Day commemoration service was well attended. A service was conducted at the Honour Board at the Railway Station, after a procession from the old shire hall. The parade was led by the Ipswich Salvation Army Band. Others who took part were shire councillors, visitors, ex-servicemen, an R A.A.F. detachment under Flying Officer E. Watson. a militia unit, scouts, and cubs, girl guides and brownies, P.A.F.S.O.A. Lodge, H.A.C.B.S., Masonic Lodge, Convent school pupils, State school pupils, and citizens. Among the ex-servicemen were 12 “Diggers” from the first World War, and four who have just returned from either Korea or Malaya.
Mr. F. Evans was marshal of the procession, and he was assisted by Sergeant Zillman of the Rosewood police. Cr. T. Morgan. Chairman of the Moreton Shire Council, presided at the service at the Honour Board. Anzac Day addresses were given by Mr. E. H. Meyers of Ipswich, and Mr. Ian Cameron of Ipswich. Mr. Meyers read the first resolution, and Mr. Cameron, district R.S.S.A.I.L.A. president, the second. A minute’s silence in honour of the fallen was observed, after which their names were read by Mr. E. A. Edgeworth. Rev. Taudevin then said prayers, and finally “The Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded by Deputy Bandmaster T. Smith. The band also played the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee” and Kipling’s “Recessional.” Wreaths were placed at the foot of the board by the representatives of many local organisations.
At the conclusion of the service, morning tea was served by members of the Women’s Auxiliary in the Farmers’ Hall. Mr. Morgan thanked the committee which had arranged the service. Bandmaster Ball moved a vote of thanks to the chairman and the ladies. Mr. R. H. Kerle responded Cr. Fletcher also congratulated the committee, and stressed that it was essential to help returned men. Mr. W. Nisbett of Ipswich, who spoke on behalf of the visitors, said it was obvious Anzac Day was not “dying out” in Rosewood.
Boy Scouts assembled for an Anzac Day Parade outside Rhuno’s Store – ca.1949
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night (Cracker Night) is an annual commemoration observed on 5th November. It is an English tradition going back over 400 years when the Gunpowder Plot failed to blow-up the Houses of Parliament in Britain. The tradition was brought to Australia by the British and became a beloved annual event. Because of the risk of injury, Queensland banned unlicensed people buying, selling, using or having fireworks in 1972.
1949 6th November – Guy Fawkes night was celebrated in the State School grounds. A large crowd assembled and explosions of different varieties of crackers mixed with the laughter of the young people indicated that the night was enjoyed. Members of the School Committee erected stalls and lighting facilities and prepared the bonfire. A knock-’em stall conducted by Messrs. J. Wanka and W. Smith was well patronised. Hot dogs, crackers, soft drinks, and ice cream were on sale at stalls conducted by the ladies’ committee. The Rosewood Citizens’ Band played selections. The bonfire was lit by Mr. E. Joynson and the burning of Guy Fawkes was watched by a large gathering. The cake made and donated by Mrs. Jordon contained a mystery article, Mrs. P. E. Freeman being the winner. The drawing of the annual school raffle took place and results were announced. The Secretary of the committee stated that the school funds would benefit considerably from the function and all members of the committee were very pleased with the celebrations.
1954 8th November – A Guy Fawkes carnival, organised by the Rosewood Ambulance A. & H. Association, R.S.S.A.I.L.A., and Scouts, was attended by a large crowd in spite of the doubtful weather. A parade by the Scouts, Guides, Cubs, and Brownies left Sellars’ Corner at 7 p.m., led by the Rosewood Citizens’ Band. Lanterns and flares made an attractive spectacle as the parade moved down Rosewood’s main street. Guys were judged by Rev. Edward Hunt, of St. Luke’s Church of England, and the prize for the best was won by the Girl Guides. After judging the guys were placed on a huge bonfire, which was lit by the Scouts.
The children provided entertainment with their fireworks during the first hour, and the band played a number of items. During the evening, square dancing was conducted in the show pavillon. This part of the entertainment was conducted by Mr. Geo. Poad, of the Ipswich Ambulance Centre, who brought his own equipment with him. Mr. Les. Boughen lent his public address system, which helped popular compere, Mr. A. Smith, keep the programme moving throughout the evening.
Stalls included a mixed wheel run by the ambulance,”knock–em” by the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. and hot dogs, soft drinks and ice cream conducted by the ladies. A few fireworks were available, but these sold out very early. Races held for children were keenly contested. Items for adults also were included in the programme.
Results of the main events were: Tug-o’-War, R.S.S.A.I.L.A. team; Wheelbarrow derby, P. Lacey and J. Leonard; Flat race, 440 yds, Brian Bruce; Single men’s race, Ian Freeman; Ladies’ broom throwing:, Mrs. A. Smith; Ladies’ nail driving, Mrs. K. Clare.
Sports stewards were: Messrs. J. Harding, J. Howe, N. Rackley, G. McGeary, A. Munro, and J. Wyatt. Gatekeepers were Messrs. A. Powe, J. Anderson, A. Mizen, and G. Keegan.
A feature of the evening was a treasure hunt for children organised by Mr. F. Barram. A large number of tickets were scattered on the ground, some of them having the names of prizes written on them. The scramble, when the children were allowed to go, kept the attendants busy, as they examined tickets brought to them and paid out the prizes. Two schoolgirls were treated by the ambulance for slight burns caused by exploding fireworks.
Bonfire on the oval, 1950’s
© Jane Schy, 2024