By Robyn Allingham, 2026.
In July 1996, Haig Ritchie approached the Cookernup Community Association on behalf of former students with the proposal to erect a memorial plaque at the site of the district’s first school. Keen to participate, Association president John Lloyd and secretary Gerda Phillips worked with Haig to contact former students for a small donation of $5 -$10 each to finance a suitable tribute.
The response was outstanding. Many people gave far more than was requested. Some made donations on behalf of siblings or parents who had also attended the school. They sent appreciative letters of support for the project, neatly handwritten on personalised stationary. They shared memories of classmates and teachers, recalling happy days at the school and praising the education they received there. One former student, Dorothy Ricetti (nee Craigie) even wrote a poem dedicated to the school, illustrated by Marie ‘Molly’ Jackson.
The task was not without its challenges. The original location selected on Riverdale Road had to be abandoned due to access issues and proximity to a powerline. It was decided to place the monument on Salisbury Road at the front of the old schoolhouse, with permission from the owner at the time, Edward Hooper. Local resident and past student Anne Trouchet (nee Holthouse) offered a large rock from her property for the plaque, which was gratefully accepted. However, it proved unsuitable. Ken Phillips later secured a more appropriate rock from Alcoa’s Willowdale mine site.
Dorothy Ricetti had arranged for the brass plaque to be cast in Bunbury at Porter Patterns, but the first version was considered too small and lacking detail. It was melted down and recast with additional information and a sketch of the school drawn by Tanny Robinson.
As the project neared completion, family members of the Community Association helped prepare the site. The Shire of Harvey provided gravel, and local earthmoving contractor Vince Versaci levelled the area. John Lloyd, Norm McGrath, and Ray Ritchie built a concrete plinth to set the stone upon, while Tim and Jenny Devereux levelled the face of the rock and mounted the plaque.
The fund raised over $1000, more than enough to pay for the project. Using the remaining funds, the Association produced a Heritage Trail leaflet highlighting other historical sites around Cookernup. Members visited Harvey Museum and searched the records at Battye Library. Several older residents contributed their memories and knowledge. Charles Staples, author of ‘They Made Their Destiny – History of Settlement of the Shire of Harvey’ also provided helpful advice. Copies of the leaflets were sent to all the donors of the plaque, while the remainder were made available at the Cookernup store and the Harvey Tourist Bureau.
The project was completed in April 1997. Everyone involved was invited to meet at the hall for a small celebration. The overall consensus was positive, and people were pleased to see a lasting memorial honouring the first school in the Harvey district.
Source: CCA minutes and the letters of appreciation sent with the donations.
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