Southgate Public School First World War Roll of Honor, Grafton

About

The Southgate Public School First World War Roll of Honor is a large polished Queensland maple board, housed in the Schaeffer House Museum in Grafton. It has a classical designed pediment at the top, which is decorated with the crossed Union Jack and Australian flags.  The Daily Examiner (Grafton), 8 August 1917 reported that the Southgate Parents and Citizens' Association had decided to establish an honour roll of ex-pupils who enlisted and went overseas. A collection was taken up and the board was purchased from a maker in Sydney.  The Examiner, 25 August 1917 published a detailed report of the unveiling of the memorial, along with three enlarged photographs of sons of ex-teachers who had fallen. The ceremony was held on 11 August at the school. Guests were welcomed by Mr B. Wingfield and the teacher-in-charge Mr H.G. Rivett.  Other speakers included Archdeacon Seymour, President Boorman, Mr W.T. Cameron, headmaster of the Grafton High School and Inspector Fraser. Mrs W.J. Hayes, wife of a former teacher, performed the official unveiling. At the time, the board included 37 names, with more added at a later date.  The Southgate Public School was established in July 1867 and closed in December 1975. The memorial is now located in the Schaeffer House Museum in Grafton and is available for viewing when the museum is open to the public.