The last exchange

1982 marked the end of an era in Walpole & Districts when the last two manual telelphone exchanges were connected to the subscriber trunk dialling (STD) network. Nornalup was the first to go in April 1982; Jarrah Glen in June 1982. Mrs Kirree Shaw manned the Nornalup exchange for 21… Continue reading

The first Tinglewood

One fateful day in October 1978, the community of Walpole & Districts woke to the news that Tinglewood Homestead, the renowned guest house, had been destroyed by fire. Feelings of shock and disbelief spread throughout the region at this news. The beautiful, historic property on the Deep River was an… Continue reading

The first train to Nornalup

In June 1929, an event of great significance for the settlers of Nornalup and Walpole and the group settlement areas took place when the first train steamed into the little town of Nornalup. Imagine the initial excitement of the settlers as they watched this link with the outside world steam… Continue reading

The first Blessing of the Fleet?

These pictures were taken at Peaceful Bay during perhaps Walpole & Districts’ original Blessing of the Fleet. Molly Smith can’t believe she didn’t put the date on the back of the photos but thinks this event took place in the 1980s. The service was organised by Peaceful Bay Sea Rescue,… Continue reading

The cow at Peaceful Bay

Picture this: It is holiday time in the 1980s and a rural family are looking forward to some time away from farm chores. A telephone call to the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park secured them a camp site but there followed a rather unusual request: Would it be possible for them… Continue reading