Photo: Sir Matthew Nathan conducting a Scout inspection parade in Rosewood, 1924.
The Rising Sung Hotel is in the background and the School of Arts can be seen on the right.

Rosewood History

COMMUNITY EVENTS

10th August 1873 – The Wesleyan Methodist Church opened at Lanefield.

24th May1875 – The Congregational Church opened in John Street on an acre of land donated by William Matthew. The building cost £125. The occasion was celebrated by the residents with a tea meeting.

17th May 1880 – The opening of the new Wesleyan chapel at Tallegalla on Monday brought together a large crowd of residents in the scrub as well as visitors from Ipswich and Brisbane. The opening services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Robson, the circuit minister, from Ipswich, after which the inevitable tea meeting was held in the church. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Robson, Allen, Meston, and others, who congratulated the residents of the district on their successful efforts in opening the church free of debt. Sports and amusements for the young folk brought a very pleasant day to a happy ending, and all parties separated highly delighted with the day’s proceedings.

12th September 1880 – The new church, erected for the Primitive Methodists, was opened by Mr James Foote, former member.

16th December 1882 – Hon. Samuel Griffith visited Rosewood

7th March 1897 – The first Harvest Festival run by the St Luke’s Anglican Church was held. The church was nicely decorated by the lady members of the congregation with maize, sheaves of oats, panicum, millet, &c., fruit, flowers, and vegetables. The rector of St. Thomas’s (Ipswich), the Rev. A. Davies, conducted the service, which was very bright and hearty.

1898 Rosewood Lodge held the first Church Parade (annual) (Success of Rosewood Lodge, P.A.F.S.O.A.)

27th July 1905 – Opening of the newly built Rosewood State School. New Rosewood State School

23rd September 1907 – The new Police Court was unofficially opened.

22nd June 1911 – The Coronation of King George 5th and Queen Mary in Westminster Abbey, London.
Coronation Day was celebrated right royally at Rosewood. From early morning the crowd began to assemble at the various churches, where special services were held, and addresses suitable to the occasion were delivered by the officiating clergymen. Flags were flying from various buildings, and the, large Union Jack in the school-ground floated gaily in the soft breeze, and was quite in harmony with the gay scene at the monster picnic in the school-ground.

The Goodna tennis players arrived by the early train, and were met at the railway station by Messrs. Ruhno, Collett, and Walsh, and escorted to Mr. W. J. Bennett’s refreshment-rooms for breakfast. A united coronation service was held in the Farmers’ Hall at 11 a.m., and was largely attended.

The Rosewood Brass Band led a procession of the P.A.F.S.O.A., which was formed at the railway gates and which marched to the hall, where the Rev. A. Castleman, M.A., presided over the united service. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. J. S. Needham and T. G. Mason, and prayers ware offered up for thie successful reign of the newly crowned King by Rev. R. H. G. Hill. Several hymns were sung, and all prssent joined in heartily singing “God Save The King.”

The school picnic was a decided success, and was very largely patronised. The committee had all the arrangements well in hand, and were ably supported in the matter, by the head teacher (Mr. J. R. Mark) and his assistant teachers. A “working bee” was held on the previous evening at the school-house, and all the cakes and sandwiches, with other dainties, were seen to, so as to avoid any confusion this morning.

Luncheon was served at midday and a very large number partook of the splendid repast which was set before them. There was also a special space set apart for the tennis players by arrangement, where the visiting team were entertained at luncheon and afternoon tea. Altogether, there were some 300 children and 250 adults to be provided for.

A large programme of sporting events was contested. The head teacher Mr. Mark delivered a very interesting address on “The Day We Celebrate,” and Coronation medals were afterwards distributed to the children as sourvenirs of the event. Mr. G. H. Dutney (chairman of the school committee) thanked those present for their attendance, and said he hoped that the parents would always make a point of attending these functions.

During the afternoon Mrs. Mossop was on the ground, taking a keen delight in the proceedings, as she has already taken part in the Coronation celebration of three rulers of the British Empire. Mrs. Bradfield, sen., who was too ill to attend the celebration also had a similar record of having lived under the reign of three sovereigns.
[Queensland Times, 23rd June1911, page 2] School Sports on Coronation Day

At the Rosewood Catholic Church on Coronation Day, 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. You are all present this morning to assist at the sacrifice of the Mass, and join in almost universal rejoicing at the event to be celebrated today. On this day Catholics can rejoice wholeheartedly because that clause of the accession oath so antagonistic and offensive to the Catholic religion has been eliminated. Another reason of rejoicing for Irish people and Irish descendants is that there is every prospect of Home Rule for Ireland for which we have worked and hoped for so long, being granted during this reign. I therefore ask you to offer your 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.

26th January 1912 – The School of Arts was opened by the Minister for Public Instruction, the Hon. K. M. Grant.

26th January 1912 – The opening of the Rosewood-Marburg railway line.

1915 Memorial Parade. On Sunday 1st August the local cadets under Sergt. Major Findley and Lieuts. B. J. Binnie and T. Haines held a Church parade, to the Catholic Church and the Church of England. At the Catholic Church the parade was in the nature of an in memoriam to the late Private M. J. O’Sullivan and the late Private T. J. Courtney, who were killed at the Dardanelles. The Rev. Father Corrigan officiated, and delivered a very impressive and appropriate sermon. At the Church of England, the service was in memory of the late Lance-Corpl. Banks who was also killed at the Dardanelles. The Rev. Hely-Wilson officiated, and referred to the number of young men who, like Lance-Corpl. Banks, had gone from this district to fight for the Empire. There was a large congregation, and the address was attentively listened to.

27th July 1920 – The train conveying the Prince of Wales stopped at Rosewood.

8th October 1921 – The Rosewood A. & H. Association held its first annual Flower Show.

9th January 1922 – St Brigid’s Convent School was opened & blessed by Archbishop Duhig.

23rd September 1922 – (Q.T.) The Eclipse. Great interest in yesterday’s glorious phenomenon was taken by the residents of Rosewood. The weather conditions here were almost perfect, and the topic of conversation from early morning was the approaching eclipse. Instruction on the subject was imparted to the school children by their teachers, and the schools in the district closed at 3 p.m. The business houses relaxed efforts during the period of the eclipse. The Rosewood sawmill, according to regulations concerning work in the dark, ceased operations at noon. The residents generally were thus free to obtain a continued view of the phenomenon. With the aid.of blackened glass an excellent view of the progress of the shadow crossing the sun was obtained from its commencement some minutes after three o’clock, until it had almost reached totality. At this period the effect over the district was delightful, the country being beautifully shaded, and a delightful freshness was in the air. On the shadow passing off again, bright sunshine prevailed.

25th April 1923 – The War Trophies were unveiled in Anzac Park.

7th February 1925 – Celebrations for the Golden Jubilee of Rosewood State School.

28th March 1925 – The C.W.A. Restroom was officially opened.

22nd, 23rd, 24th May 1925 – Rosewood Congregational Church Jubilee was celebrated.

5th September 1925 – The C.W. A. held its first Flower and Baby Show in the Farmers’ Hall.

6th April 1927 – Hundreds of people assembled along the Rosewood railway station to see the Duke and Duchess of York passing through.

23rd July 1927 – Rosewood’s Jubilee Show opened.

14th April 1928 – First Grand Annual Camp Draft

5th April 1930 – The new Church of England was dedicated to St Luke by his Grace, Dr Sharp, Archbishop of Brisbane.

2nd May 1931 – Rosewood’s Great Day of Music – Rosewood’s biggest Eisteddfod was held in aid of raising money for the Show Society. Among the 159 entrants were competitors from all parts of the district. Performers also came from as far as Brisbane, Laidley, and Boonah; and possibly the majority of them were from Ipswich. It was expected that nearly £100 would be raised. ROSEWOOD’S DAY OF GREAT MUSIC THE DAY’S CONTESTS

2nd December 1934 – The Duke of Gloucester visited Rosewood.

30th January 1936 – Special combined services were held in honour of the late King George V at the Farmers’ Hall.

30th June 1939 – Opening of the new Majestic Theatre.

18th June 1944 – V.D.C. Pre-Reserve Parade – Prior to the company going on reserve, C. Company, comprising Rosewood, Laidley, and Marburg platoons of the V.D.C., under Capt. T. W. Former, O. C., took part in a parade from Rosewood School of Arts to the showground for inspection by the Group Commander. Lieut. Colonel Hutton took the salute. Representatives of Group Headquarters attended the winding-up parade to thank V.D.C. members for their services.

1945 The Fourth Victory Loan 4IP Amateur Hour contest was held in Ipswich District. Its purpose was to raise money for the war effort. Rosewood’s trial winners were Dawn Imrie (706 votes) was first, Beryl Pocock (366) second, and Kevin and Elsie Thomas and Eva Zahnow (336) third. They competed in the finals in Ipswich Town Hall on 29th October. It was broadcast on radio 4IP. Dawn sang “Tit for Tat.” Beryl Pocock gave a vocal rendition of “The Last Rose of Summer,” and the “Hill Billy” number, “The Birds Were Singing Anew,” was presented by Kevin and Elsie Thomas and Eva Zahnow.

In the finals, Miss Coola Flaskas of Toogoolawah, who sang of “Back to Surrender” in Greek won her 1739 votes and first place. Miss Dawn Imrie of Rosewood, who sang “Tit for Tat” was second with 1628 votes and Misses Shirley and Olwyn Nielsen of Aratula, were third with 1156 votes for the duet “Mississippi”.

26th November 1948 – The Recreation Footwear Ltd Choir, under the baton of Mrs. R. Edwards, sang in Solo, Duet and Concerted items, on radio 4IP Ipswich at 9.30 a.m..

7th May 1949 – A street carnival and Centenary Ball was held to celebrate the Centenary of the Rosewood district.

27th March 1950 – BIG CROWD AT ROSEWOOD BARBECUE [Queensland Times, Tuesday, 28 March 1950, page 4]
The barbecue, arranged by the Rosewood A. and H. Association, was held in the showground under ideal conditions on Saturday night, and the size of the crowd which attended exceeded expectations.All arrangements were carried out to schedule under the leadership of the association President (Mr. Geo. Johnson) and a band of willing workers. Preparations began with the slaughtering of a beast at McGeary and Grant’s slaughter yards by Mr. McGeary.

A large fire was started in the fireplace on Friday after noon at 6 o’clock. Preparations to hang the carcass in the fireplace were carried out by Messrs. Geo. Johnson, G. McGeary, P. Freeman, J. R. Reid, J. Yarrow, and R. Brooks. A pole passed through the body rested on supports over the fireplace, and with a wheel attached to the end the turning of the carcass was made a simple job. The roasting of the bullock, which began.at 3 a.m. on Saturday was carried out by a band of assistants under the instructions of Mr. H. B. Kerner, of Ipswich.

Members of the committee throughout the day worked hard to have all in readiness for the opening which took place at 7.30 p.m. A large crowd which exceeded expectations was present, and the grounds surrounding the roasted bullock presented a scene of gaiety. The Rosewood Citizens’ Band, under the leadership of Mr. Geo. Embrey, opened proceedings, and during the night played selections. At 8 o’clock, Mr. Kerner, with Messrs. L. Doig and H. Benson as assistants, commenced cutting the bullock into slices, and a ladles’ committee comprising Mesdames P. E. Freeman, G. Johnson, R. Brooks, R. Wass, M. Lovell, H. Boughen, G. McGeary, and Miss V. Grant made the slices into sandwiches ready for the public. The bullock which weighed 569lbs., was nicely cooked, and the sandwiches were eagerly sought.

A “knockem” stall conducted by Messrs. W. Smith and J. Wanka and a chocolate wheel conducted by Messrs. A. E. Maxwell, J. R. Reid, R. Brooks, A Smith, and E. Weigand were well patronised. The soft drink stall conducted by Mr. and Mrs. J. Wyatte and Miss B. McGuire sold out of supplies early.

Entertainment was also provided by Mr. and Mrs. Stan. Moller with piano-accordion and guitar, Mr. and Mrs. Ron. Pocock, with piano-accordion and mouth organ; and unrehearsed items were given by Mr. J. Hayes with a mouth organ. A “Hill-billy” contest resulted in a win for Robin Stewart, who is 12 years of age. His item was “My Cobber Jack,” sung unaccompanied. Judging was carried out by the crowd voting by acclamation, and Robin received a wonderful hand for his act. A challenge was issued by “Mandrake” and his team to pull any other men, eight in number, in a tug-o’-war. The challenge was taken up by members of the Rosewood Band who won the pull.

Mr. Geo. Johnson, who welcomed the crowd, said that preparations for the barbecue required a lot of hard work, and he thanked his committee and all who in any way assisted to make the evening such a success. The announcement that Mr. H. C. Mort, of Franklyn Vale, had donated the bullock free of cost to the association was received with a round of applause. Mr. Johnson also thanked the Ladies’ Committee members for the work they had done in making the evening a success.

Dancing commenced at 10 o’clock in the pavilion. Music being provided by the Rosewood Band; Mr. and Mrs. Stan. Moller, Mr. and Mrs. Ron. Pocock, and Mr. Merv. Lack. Mr. J. Roache was M.C.

Mr. Johnson said that the evening had exceeded the expectations of the committee, and as a result the funds of the association would benefit considerably.

1st February 1953 – A stump capping ceremony was held on the site of the new Congregational Church. A war, the depression, and building restrictions had delayed the construction of the new church for years.

CORONATION FESTIVITIES
25th May 1953 – The Rosewood Coronation Celebrations Committee, at a meeting in the State School, decided to arrange to obtain a 16mm. coloured film of the procession at Rosewood, and one of the celebrations at the showground. The films would be left in the care of the Rosewood State School, and afterwards 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.

29th May 1953 – A successful Coronation Ball, organised by St. Luke’s Church of England Women’s Guild, was held in the Farmers’ Hall on Friday night, 29th May. Decorations in red, white and blue formed a colourful canopy, and on the wall were photographs of the Queen and members of the Royal family framed with red, white and blue streamers caught with golden crowns. The front of the stage was draped with red bunting dotted with golden crowns. The stage representing a garden with a white lattice background, pink roses and ferns, formed an ideal setting for the “Queen” crowning ceremony. A large photograph of Queen Elizabeth 11 occupied pride of place on the stage.

Climax of the function was the election and crowning of the Queen for a night.” The judges were Mrs. L. J. Smith and Mrs. K. Baird, Ipswich and their choice was Miss Norma Boughen, Rosewood. After she had been chosen. Miss Boughen was taken to the back of the hall where two ladies-in-waiting, Mrs. R. Sellars and Mrs. W. Drysdale, frocked in green and white respectively, and wearing coronets, attached a red velvet train to Miss Boughen’s frock. The “Queen” then was led through the hall preceded by a page, Ken Clare, dressed in white satin and carrying a golden crown on a velvet cushion. Two maids-in-waiting, Enid Boughen and Helen Rackley, and wearing tiny coronets, carried the train. The crowning ceremony was performed by Mr. F. T. Cross, Chancellor of the Diocese.

Mr. Cross congratulated Miss Boughen and presented her with a powder compact bearing a picture of the Imperial Crown. He gave a short address on the significance of the Queen’s Coronation.

The National Anthem was sung heartily by more than 200 guests. Supper was served in a marquee where decorations also were carried out in red, white and blue. Proceeds of the ball amounted to £122. Music was supplied by Miss May Woods’ Orchestra and Messrs, Arthur Sellars and R. Ballin were Ms.C.

2nd June 1953 – The day of 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.

BIG PARADE AT ROSEWOOD
About 1200 adults, and 500 children attended the Rosewood Coronation celebrations which began with the biggest procession ever seen in the town.

Led by Sergeant Zillman, followed by Mr. T. Isles carrying the Union Jack, and the Rosewood Citizens’ Band, the procession moved from the Church of England to the showground. Thirteen floats, three quaintly decorated horse-drawn vehicles, two decorated cars and about 30 bicycles took part in the parade, followed by Boy Scouts and school children. The procession provided a gay spectacle as it proceeded along the main street which was lined with people.

The programme at the showground began with the National Anthem followed by an opening prayer by Rev. H, J. Taudevin. The Celebrations Committee PresIdent (Mr. P. E. Freeman) welcomed all present. Mr. A. Stephan led the gathering in a recital of the pledge of loyalty and vow of service after which Rev. Fraser Ram closed the service with prayer and the Benediction.

A varied sports programme was conducted during the day including events for children and adults, and a display of model aeroplane flying was staged. Messrs E. Wright, N. Rackley, and R Burgess were stewards for the adults’ sports and representatives of the Rosewood and District School Sports Association conducted the children’s events. Messrs. Mizen, Jaggers and Grant judged the entries in the procession. The Celebrations Committee Secretary (Mr. A. E. Smith) was the official announcer for the day’s programme.

After the sports, Mr. Freeman thanked all who had assisted to make the function so successful and one that would remain as a happy memory of the Queen’s Coronation.

The Brisbane Model Aeroplane Club members attended the celebrations and gave a display of stunt and combat flying.

The Rosewood Coronation Celebrations Committee ordered 64 dozen ice-creams and 80 dozen bottles of soft drink for free distribution, two of each for every child.

A dance in the Farmers’ Hall at night to music supplied by the “Three G’s” Orchestra, brought the celebrations to a close. Mr. R. Ballin was M.C.. Awards made by the judges of the vehicles in the procession were – Best decorated float: Rosewood Miners Area Committee (“Loyalty”) 1, R.S.L. (“Services”) and Rosewood Convent (“Our Queensland”) 2. Car: T. Pocock 1, G. Yarrow 2. Motor cycle: David Lergesner. Tradesmen’s float: Mines Rescue Station and Recreation Footwear Factory (equal). Humorous horse-drawn vehicle: L. Brennan. Humorous turnout: Boy Scouts fire brigade. Bicycle, boys: Kevin Lergesner 1., Athol Harding and R. Waters 2. Girls: Norma Wright 1, Desley Reinhardt 2.

See some photos here.

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

27th March 1954 – A new church building was opened on the site of the original Congregational Church.

20th May 1955 – A Grand Opening Ball was held to celebrate the opening of the Rosewood Memorial Hall (R.S.S.A.I. L.A. Rosewood Sub-branch) by Sir Raymond Huish C.B.E.

10th December 1959 – There was a Queensland Centenary Parade in Rosewood.

15th March 1975 – Rosewood State School Centenary celebrations were opened by State Treasurer, Gordon Chalk.

24th & 25th May 1975 – The Rosewood Congregational Church’s Centenary celebrations.

21st December 1993 – The electric train service came to Rosewood.

18th July 2002 – Rosewood Detention Basin was opened by Wilson Tucket M.P.

24th September 2011 – A replica Cobb & Co coach was installed at Cobb & Co Heritage Park.

25th July 2020 – The Rosewood Library (cost $8 million) was opened by Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Ipswich City Mayor Teresa Harding. The first sod was turned with a golden shovel in May 2019.

24th February 2024 – The Australian Cultural Library officially opened at 66 John Street, Rosewood.