MURRAY DISTRICTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located at the Old Schoolmaster's House, Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
Our volunteers are there to greet you on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, or by appointment.
The aim of the Historical Society is to research, collect, maintain and share stories of the Murray District that stretches from North Dandalup to Coolup, from West Murray to Dwellingup – and including the vibrant town of Pinjarra. We have a well maintained local history library, interesting displays and a large collection of photographs, documents, and display books.
We also have a strong membership of enthusiastic people and are always looking for additional members to join us. If you have a love of history, in particular of the Murray District, or if you have information to share, please visit us. And if you like what you see, consider becoming a member of our group. Our general meetings with a guest speaker are open to visitors. Other events, including bus trips, are usually restricted to members. All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment.
During October, the Murray Districts Historical Society held its General Meeting on Tuesday 24 October at the Lesser Hall Pinjarra. All in attendance enjoyed listening to Guest Speaker John Viska, WA Chairman of the Australian Garden History Society as he took us on an historical journey through the beautiful gardens of Western Australia.
Following this absorbing talk, all took delight in the supper available.
HISTORY of INTEREST …
Nurse Henrietta Blake – 1880-1959
Who was Nurse Henrietta (Netta) Blake?
When did she relieve Matron at Pinjarra Hospital?
Now those were a couple of questions I was asked on behalf of the Murray Districts Historical Society by Jeff Peirce, Military History Researcher and Author. It seems he will be a guest speaker at Pinjarra Rotary Club Meeting at the Pinjarra Golf Club 30/11/2023 at 6pm.
He will be speaking on Great War Stories 1914 – 1918, Nurses of the South West of which Nurse Blake was involved.
Ever heard of her? (NO, nor me as well).
Hooray for TROVE digitised newspapers from the National Library available on the Net !
I found out she was born Henrietta Eyre Maunsell Blake 14/02/1880 at Ipswich QLD
to Henry Eugene Blake and Sarah Partington nee Ransom.
She is a nurse at Kalgoorlie 1907, 1909 to Adelaide for 12 months, on her return to WA stayed with her sister Mrs WP Seed at St. Georges Tce for a short time.
1912 reported returning to WA by Mail Boat after 6 months in England.
26/9/1913 Nurse Blake is in charge of Pinjarra Hospital whilst Matron is
on short leave.
13/10/1913 to Perth after relieving at Pinjarra Hospital.
25/6/1915 embarked for WW1, nursing duties. 31/8/1915 wrote to Daily News in Perth for people to send Fly nets and Veils for patient comfort.
25/12/1915 passed through Fremantle on Christmas Day, returning from Egypt to Sydney, spent an hour with her sister, Mrs W. P. Seed.
5/4/1916 left Perth on medical service at the front.
21/2/1917 Married to Captain Albert Oscar Vincent Tymms at Durban, South Africa.
Discharged from the Army due to marriage.
8/4/1917 returned to Australia.
1920 to 1925 had 4 children of which one son died in an aircraft accident at Oxford, England 29/1/1943, elder son taken prisoner by the Japanese but survived POW camp and returned to Australia.
25/3/1959 Henrietta Eyre Maunsell Tymms nee Blake passed away at Longford, Tas.
… And that is what I have found out over the past few days, I just may have to purchase a book from Jeff Peirce.
(Article submitted by Mervyn Beacham)
Murray Districts Historical Society continues to hold interesting events throughout the year, so watch this space for the next event!
Note: There is more to read on our Local History
so do come along to the Murray Districts Historical Society and see what is available.
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
Visit us to view our current photographic displays:
- Festivals and Events in Murray Districts
- Coolup Farms and Families
- Coolup Sports and Social
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
And we welcome new members.
For information about the Murray Districts Historical Society, its membership and its activities, please contact
Anne Cubitt – Secretary mdhspinjarra@outlook.com
For assistance with research or general questions about local history, contact Merv Beacham on 0417 986 838, or Val King on 0458 673 608
For more photos and stories of the rich history of the Murray, look at our Website murrayhistory.org.au/home or visit us at the Old Schoolmaster’s House within the Edenvale Heritage Precinct.
