Club Meeting May 8 

The club meeting at the Goody last Wednesday was entertained by a fascinating talk by Glen Woodward on the early pioneers of Unley. Glen has vast knowledge of the history of Unley and surrounding areas that he has developed over the years. He was born in Kadina of Scottish-Cornish ancestry and as a teacher in various Australian and overseas locations finished his career at Unley High School where he taught for 25 years.

 

In a highly entertaining and broad ranging talk he spoke of those like Thomas Whistler who came, purchased property, subdivided it, named the suburbs of Unley and Unley Park and then returned to England. Others who established a fruit tree nursery and then expanded into preserves and had a "red sauce" that was exhibited around the world.

 

Perhaps the most famous of Unley's early residents was Luther Scammell (1832-1910) who built Mornington House and spent time at the Burra mines before buying into the local Fauldings company in the 1890's. The company went from strength to strength and introduced eucalyptus oil based on an extraction process of local aboriginals. The company went public in 1921 and was taken over in 2001. Luther was a member of the first SA Parliament, and his son Bill also was with Fauldings and finished his career as Chancellor of the University of Adelaide.

 

Mrs Catherine Thornber (Thornber Street) was a remarkable woman who, after the death of her husband 13 years after settling in Unley, established a "first class school for young ladies" in Unley Park. She and her daughters ran the school and in 1880 there were 105 girls and 15 young boys.

 

A most entertaining talk was enjoyed by all, and it was suggested that an historical walk lead by Glen would be a great social activity for the club.

 

Geoff Hudson proposed a vote of thanks and presented Glen with a small token of appreciation.