MemorialsMeerschaum Vale Great War Roll of Honor
About
The Meerschaum Vale Great War Roll of Honor is a polished timber board, with supporting shelves at the top and bottom and carved columns on both sides. Painted in full colour at the top of the board are the crossed Union Jack and Australian flags. Between the flags is the First Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The roll lists the names of 37 veterans from the area who served in the war. The names are printed in gold across two columns, with 11 names including 'Remarks' regarding the person's fate or branch of service. The roll was presented to the community by William Frederick Armbruster of Meerschaum Vale. Armbruster was a long established farmer in the area, who also established a butter factory at Rous and was a director of the Alstonville Butter Factory. His donation is recorded on a metal plaque attached to the base of the board. The unveiling took place on 2 February 1917 at the Meerschaum Vale Hall, which was established in 1906. The occasion was reported in the Northern Star on 7 February. "A very fair percentage" of local residents attended, despite the adverse weather. Mr R.H.R. Bartlett acted as chairman and outlined how the board was created. He also thanked Mr Armbruster for his gift, on behalf of the town and the Meerschaum Vale War Service League. The unveiling itself was performed by Mrs Stamp, who had recently lost her son in the conflict. Several other speeches were given, including one from Mr R. Robertson, ex-teacher of Meerschaum Vale, who paid tribute to the parents who had let their sons go to war. The function closed with the singing of the national anthem. The board is located in the hall, now known as the Meerschaum Vale Community Hall. It is available for viewing when the hall is open for public occasions.