Lowaldie Institute Hall - side view of the hall erected 1935. Murray Mallee South Australia
Lowaldie is an example of a town with minimal development. The only siding on the Brown's Well line without a goods shed, it was surveyed into 72 township allotments.
One allotment was dedicated as a site for an Institute.
Half of the allotments were offered for sale in 1914 but only one was sold. All unsold allotments were put up for auction in 1916. Again only one was sold. Only two buildings were ever erected in the town: a residence which was used as a hall for seven years, and the Institute.
Despite this, it had a post office, phone exchange, limited general store and grain buyer. They all operated from the residence. The Institute was also used as a school and for church services. The town had cricket and tennis clubs. [Ref: Murray Mallee Heritage Survey (1998) A & P Kloeden Bruce Harry & Associates]
*FUNDS OBTAINED BY CONCERT July 16
A successful concert was given in the Lowaldie Hall on Saturday evening, July 15. The proceeds were in aid of a new hall: the one now in use is too small.
The apple bobbing, ladies’ nail driving, and gentlemen's sewing competitions attracted a large number of entries. \
A dance followed. Supper was provided by the ladies. [Ref: Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark) 21-7-1922]
*New Institute Hall
The Lowaldie institute is nearing completion, and arrangements are being made for the laying of the foundation stone on November 15. Tea and a social and dance will follow.
Mr C T Haines was the contractor. Messrs O R Williams and M Earl placed the first stone in position and Mrs George Haines put the last brick of the chimney in position. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) Tuesday 12-11-1935]
*Foundation Stone and Opening
15 November
The ceremony of setting in the foundation stone and opening the institute was held. Mr J H Gray set in the foundation stone and Mr C W Jones opened the institute.
The speakers, who were the pioneer settlers of the district, were introduced by Mr F Ridge.
In the evening a concert was held, Mr J H Gray being chairman. Items were rendered by Mesdames W S Tonkin and G A Haines, Misses June Williams, Ruth McClean, Fay Tonkin, and A M Galley, and Messrs D Oakley, R Ritchie, and J A Gray.
A dance followed, Mr F O'Malley being MC. Music was supplied by Miss G M Lawson and Mr R Ritchie. A strawberries stall was in charge of Mesdames O R Williams, A Marks, and V Klaebe, and Mr J C Boyce had charge of the cool drinks. A profit of about £17 was made. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 11-12-1935]
*A Spinsters' Ball was held in the Lowaldie Institute in aid of the school fund. Novelty dances were won.
The MC's were Miss M Miller and Mr F O'Malley. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 5-5-1936]
*The first anniversary of the opening of the Lowaldie Institute was celebrated with a concert and dance and strawberry fete.
Mr J H Gray was chairman. The music for the dance was supplied by Oakley’s Orchestra. A birthday cake, made and iced by Mrs O R Williams, was won by Miss F E Griffiths. Mr A Jones was MC. More than £8 was cleared. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide 14-11-1936]
*A cricket match between Lowaldie and Yurgo resulted in a win for Yurgo. Scores:— Yurgo 104 Lowaldie 91 (R Williams 30 C Lukeman 28).
Tea was provided in the Institute.
In the evening a dance was held in aid of the cricket club. Oakleys’ Orchestra supplied the music. Mr A Nurse was MC. The takings were £6. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 13-2-1937]
*A social was held in the Lowaldie Institute in aid of the institute fund.
Music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs O R Williams. Mr A Nurse was MC.
A floater supper was enjoyed by those present. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 29-7-1937]
*The annual break-up concert of the Lowaldie school was held at the school in the form of an outdoor concert. The children trained by the head teacher (Miss L Willmott) gave several items, after which they were each given a present off the Christmas tree.
Prizes for good work during the year were won by Eva Hoff, Edmund Hoff, Sydney Langford, Peter Olson, Ron Roecke, and Stanley Gray.
The manual work made by the children during the year was on sale, the stalls being in charge of Ron Roecke, Edward Olson, Arthur Hoff, and Stanley Gray.
Supper was served by the women. [Ref Advertiser 22-12-1937]
*A dance was held in the Lowaldie Institute in aid of the Lowaldie school. Music was supplied by Oakley's Orchestra. Mr C Ern Langford was MC.
A pasty supper was supplied by the women.
Arbor Day was celebrated at the Lowaldie school. A sports programme was conducted for the children. Several trees and shrubs were planted. Lollies and oranges were given to the children.
Dinner and tea were supplied by the women.
A busy bee at the cricket oval grubbed the mallee stumps and put down a new pitch. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 29-7-1938]
*A combined Sunday School Anniversary of the Borrika and Lowaldie Sunday Schools was held at the Lowaldie Institute (Karoonda circuit). Items were rendered by both schools, 24 scholars taking part. Rev S G Forth gave a fine children's address at each service. Mrs R Williams, Lowaldie, and Miss Cowled, Borrika were the pianists.
At the close of the afternoon service, award books were presented to the scholars. Tea was provided by the ladies. [Ref: Australian Christian Commonwealth (SA) 17-11-1939]
*Proceeds from annual concert and dance to celebrate the sixth anniversary of opening of institute on November 29 amounted to £16 12.
Profit from this entertainment is being donated to Queen of Navy (Betty Williams) for Prisoners of War Fund. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 3-12-1941]
*A very successful dance was held at Lowaldie on Saturday, April 17. The hall was well filled and novelties provided much amusement. The proceeds were in aid of Red Cross and Fighting Forces Comforts Funds. [ Ref: Murray Pioneer (Renmark) 22-4-1943]
*At Lowaldie on Saturday evening a concert in aid of Red Cross queens was given by folk from Lowaldie and surrounding towns including Karoonda and Sandalwood.
After the concert dancing was indulged in.
The evening was very successful from a social as well as a financial viewpoint: the attendance was very good and the Lowaldie Hall was packed, people having come from miles around. [Ref: Murray Pioneer (Renmark) 24-6-1943]
*A social was tendered to Mr and Mrs J H Gray.
Mr Gray is a pioneer of this district, having resided there for 31 years. Mr C W Jones, on behalf of the community, presented the guests with a wallet.
Trustees of Karoonda Methodist circuit also made a presentation. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide 12-11-1943]
*Lowaldie — On February 2, a large crowd attended a welcome home dance in honour of WO Don Coombe, who after six years' service with the RAAF, has recently been discharged. A gift was presented by Mr S T Barr on behalf of Lowaldie Institute Committee and friends assembled.
Music was supplied by C Goodhand (piano accordion), E Stokes (drums) and M D Williams (piano). [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 12-2-1946]
*A welcome home dance was recently held in the hall. During the evening an honour roll was unveiled by Mrs S T Barr. This was designed and carved by Mr Jack Peake, of Karoonda. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 12-10-1946]
*At Lowaldie Mr C W Jones, on behalf of local residents, presented Mr, Mrs and Miss Waters with a wireless set as a token of appreciation for service rendered during the past 18 years.
Mr Waters is the postmaster, and his wife and daughter attend to the cleaning of the hall after functions. [Ref: Chronicle (Adelaide) 17-10-1946]
*Busy Bees
BEES destroyed the concentration of worshippers at a recent harvest thanksgiving service at Lowaldie, near Karoonda.
The annual service is held in the local hall, but since bees have been in residence there for months, this year it was considered safer to move into the little iron kitchen adjoining. Even then, two members of the congregation were stung and the caretaker hovered in the background, ever ready with a bottle of methylated spirits for use as an antidote [Ref: News (Adelaide) 7-4-1948]
*Griffiths-Abbott
At the Methodist Church, Karoonda, on Saturday, March 6th the marriage was solemnised of Margaret A youngest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr H Griffiths, of Lowaldie, to Rex M only son of Mr and Mrs J Abbott, of Long Valley, Strathalbyn. The Rev A Holdway officiated, and Mrs Ron Abbott, of Karoonda, presided at the organ.
After the ceremony all journeyed on to the Lowaldie Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion by her Lowaldie friends, and a dance took place. Afterwards a dainty home-made supper was served and thoroughly enjoyed by all. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 13-5-1948]
Lowaldie Institute Hall - side view of the hall erected 1935. Murray Mallee South Australia
Lowaldie is an example of a town with minimal development. The only siding on the Brown's Well line without a goods shed, it was surveyed into 72 township allotments.
One allotment was dedicated as a site for an Institute.
Half of the allotments were offered for sale in 1914 but only one was sold. All unsold allotments were put up for auction in 1916. Again only one was sold. Only two buildings were ever erected in the town: a residence which was used as a hall for seven years, and the Institute.
Despite this, it had a post office, phone exchange, limited general store and grain buyer. They all operated from the residence. The Institute was also used as a school and for church services. The town had cricket and tennis clubs. [Ref: Murray Mallee Heritage Survey (1998) A & P Kloeden Bruce Harry & Associates]
*FUNDS OBTAINED BY CONCERT July 16
A successful concert was given in the Lowaldie Hall on Saturday evening, July 15. The proceeds were in aid of a new hall: the one now in use is too small.
The apple bobbing, ladies’ nail driving, and gentlemen's sewing competitions attracted a large number of entries. \
A dance followed. Supper was provided by the ladies. [Ref: Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark) 21-7-1922]
*New Institute Hall
The Lowaldie institute is nearing completion, and arrangements are being made for the laying of the foundation stone on November 15. Tea and a social and dance will follow.
Mr C T Haines was the contractor. Messrs O R Williams and M Earl placed the first stone in position and Mrs George Haines put the last brick of the chimney in position. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) Tuesday 12-11-1935]
*Foundation Stone and Opening
15 November
The ceremony of setting in the foundation stone and opening the institute was held. Mr J H Gray set in the foundation stone and Mr C W Jones opened the institute.
The speakers, who were the pioneer settlers of the district, were introduced by Mr F Ridge.
In the evening a concert was held, Mr J H Gray being chairman. Items were rendered by Mesdames W S Tonkin and G A Haines, Misses June Williams, Ruth McClean, Fay Tonkin, and A M Galley, and Messrs D Oakley, R Ritchie, and J A Gray.
A dance followed, Mr F O'Malley being MC. Music was supplied by Miss G M Lawson and Mr R Ritchie. A strawberries stall was in charge of Mesdames O R Williams, A Marks, and V Klaebe, and Mr J C Boyce had charge of the cool drinks. A profit of about £17 was made. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 11-12-1935]
*A Spinsters' Ball was held in the Lowaldie Institute in aid of the school fund. Novelty dances were won.
The MC's were Miss M Miller and Mr F O'Malley. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 5-5-1936]
*The first anniversary of the opening of the Lowaldie Institute was celebrated with a concert and dance and strawberry fete.
Mr J H Gray was chairman. The music for the dance was supplied by Oakley’s Orchestra. A birthday cake, made and iced by Mrs O R Williams, was won by Miss F E Griffiths. Mr A Jones was MC. More than £8 was cleared. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide 14-11-1936]
*A cricket match between Lowaldie and Yurgo resulted in a win for Yurgo. Scores:— Yurgo 104 Lowaldie 91 (R Williams 30 C Lukeman 28).
Tea was provided in the Institute.
In the evening a dance was held in aid of the cricket club. Oakleys’ Orchestra supplied the music. Mr A Nurse was MC. The takings were £6. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 13-2-1937]
*A social was held in the Lowaldie Institute in aid of the institute fund.
Music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs O R Williams. Mr A Nurse was MC.
A floater supper was enjoyed by those present. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 29-7-1937]
*The annual break-up concert of the Lowaldie school was held at the school in the form of an outdoor concert. The children trained by the head teacher (Miss L Willmott) gave several items, after which they were each given a present off the Christmas tree.
Prizes for good work during the year were won by Eva Hoff, Edmund Hoff, Sydney Langford, Peter Olson, Ron Roecke, and Stanley Gray.
The manual work made by the children during the year was on sale, the stalls being in charge of Ron Roecke, Edward Olson, Arthur Hoff, and Stanley Gray.
Supper was served by the women. [Ref Advertiser 22-12-1937]
*A dance was held in the Lowaldie Institute in aid of the Lowaldie school. Music was supplied by Oakley's Orchestra. Mr C Ern Langford was MC.
A pasty supper was supplied by the women.
Arbor Day was celebrated at the Lowaldie school. A sports programme was conducted for the children. Several trees and shrubs were planted. Lollies and oranges were given to the children.
Dinner and tea were supplied by the women.
A busy bee at the cricket oval grubbed the mallee stumps and put down a new pitch. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 29-7-1938]
*A combined Sunday School Anniversary of the Borrika and Lowaldie Sunday Schools was held at the Lowaldie Institute (Karoonda circuit). Items were rendered by both schools, 24 scholars taking part. Rev S G Forth gave a fine children's address at each service. Mrs R Williams, Lowaldie, and Miss Cowled, Borrika were the pianists.
At the close of the afternoon service, award books were presented to the scholars. Tea was provided by the ladies. [Ref: Australian Christian Commonwealth (SA) 17-11-1939]
*Proceeds from annual concert and dance to celebrate the sixth anniversary of opening of institute on November 29 amounted to £16 12.
Profit from this entertainment is being donated to Queen of Navy (Betty Williams) for Prisoners of War Fund. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 3-12-1941]
*A very successful dance was held at Lowaldie on Saturday, April 17. The hall was well filled and novelties provided much amusement. The proceeds were in aid of Red Cross and Fighting Forces Comforts Funds. [ Ref: Murray Pioneer (Renmark) 22-4-1943]
*At Lowaldie on Saturday evening a concert in aid of Red Cross queens was given by folk from Lowaldie and surrounding towns including Karoonda and Sandalwood.
After the concert dancing was indulged in.
The evening was very successful from a social as well as a financial viewpoint: the attendance was very good and the Lowaldie Hall was packed, people having come from miles around. [Ref: Murray Pioneer (Renmark) 24-6-1943]
*A social was tendered to Mr and Mrs J H Gray.
Mr Gray is a pioneer of this district, having resided there for 31 years. Mr C W Jones, on behalf of the community, presented the guests with a wallet.
Trustees of Karoonda Methodist circuit also made a presentation. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide 12-11-1943]
*Lowaldie — On February 2, a large crowd attended a welcome home dance in honour of WO Don Coombe, who after six years' service with the RAAF, has recently been discharged. A gift was presented by Mr S T Barr on behalf of Lowaldie Institute Committee and friends assembled.
Music was supplied by C Goodhand (piano accordion), E Stokes (drums) and M D Williams (piano). [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 12-2-1946]
*A welcome home dance was recently held in the hall. During the evening an honour roll was unveiled by Mrs S T Barr. This was designed and carved by Mr Jack Peake, of Karoonda. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide) 12-10-1946]
*At Lowaldie Mr C W Jones, on behalf of local residents, presented Mr, Mrs and Miss Waters with a wireless set as a token of appreciation for service rendered during the past 18 years.
Mr Waters is the postmaster, and his wife and daughter attend to the cleaning of the hall after functions. [Ref: Chronicle (Adelaide) 17-10-1946]
*Busy Bees
BEES destroyed the concentration of worshippers at a recent harvest thanksgiving service at Lowaldie, near Karoonda.
The annual service is held in the local hall, but since bees have been in residence there for months, this year it was considered safer to move into the little iron kitchen adjoining. Even then, two members of the congregation were stung and the caretaker hovered in the background, ever ready with a bottle of methylated spirits for use as an antidote [Ref: News (Adelaide) 7-4-1948]
*Griffiths-Abbott
At the Methodist Church, Karoonda, on Saturday, March 6th the marriage was solemnised of Margaret A youngest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr H Griffiths, of Lowaldie, to Rex M only son of Mr and Mrs J Abbott, of Long Valley, Strathalbyn. The Rev A Holdway officiated, and Mrs Ron Abbott, of Karoonda, presided at the organ.
After the ceremony all journeyed on to the Lowaldie Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion by her Lowaldie friends, and a dance took place. Afterwards a dainty home-made supper was served and thoroughly enjoyed by all. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 13-5-1948]