Ladies Guild

Referred to as the 'Ladies of the Hall Guild' in minutes of the Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee of Management, the Ladies Guild (and also referred to as Women's Guild in later years) was a large supporter and contributor to the hall fundraising efforts.  

From the very beginning the Ladies Guild supported the hall and enabled the hall to be debt free at its opening.

They provided input and initiated the purchase of many furnishings and building improvements.

Just some of the furnishings funded by the Ladies Guild are the piano for the hall to be used for future fundraising. SOUTHERN DISTRICTS (1921, August 19). The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), p. 3. , cupboards to store crockery, copper and stand, timber pedestals, and the front porch.

The front porch of the hall has a foundation stone in tribute to their efforts; a gesture provided by the Committee of Management in appreciation of their efforts over many years.

From newspaper reports of the time it seems they would raise funds through catering, for example at property dispersal sales, MOUNT TORRENS (1938, August 25). The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), p. 3.  and gymkhana luncheons, Gymkhana at Mt. Torrens (1951, March 10). The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), p. 32. 

Information on the Mount Torrens Ladies Guild seems scarce however from various sources the following Ladies were involved.

President:

?? - 1927 Miss Mary Hicks  A FAREWELL AT MOUNT TORRENS. (1927, April 16). Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), p. 70.  

?? - 1937 Mrs J.E. Mullins (Back to Mount Torrens centenary celebrations, February 12, 13, and 14, 1937 : souvenir)  

1937 - 1960 Mrs F.S. Hicks (Foundation Stone on entry foyer at Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall)

Secretary:

?? - 1923 Miss Winnie Hicks  (Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931)  Sat 22 Mar 1924)  

1923 - 1947 Mrs J.R. Sumner (engraved plaque on timber pedestal located within the Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall)

Other members:

1930 T. Yetman

If you have any information on the Mount Torrens Ladies of the Hall Guild we would love to learn more.