ANZAC Cottage Endures

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Sun 06 Nov 2016

The saying 'there is no such thing as a free lunch' applies to free houses as well, so it would seem. Whilst the outpouring of support for the construction of Western Australia's first war memorial and home for a wounded soldier was amazing, not everyone was entirely happy with the project.

The Open Day at ANZAC Cottage on November 6, will feature a talk presented by the Friends of ANZAC Cottage exploring some of the controversies, issues and mysteries surrounding this historic icon.

The Cottage is open from 1.00pm to 4.00pm with the talk scheduled for 1.30pm and repeated at 2.45pm, with Anne Chapple delving into the rich history surrounding its building and present existence.

A battle from the beginning

One controversy revealed is an exchange of letters between Frank Kelsall, president of the Mt Hawthorn Progress Association and John Beer a resident of Mt Hawthorn, who seemed to be at odds with the Progress Association and the way that the project was being handled.


The modern era brought its own share of controversy, beginning in the 1970s, when the Cottage fell into disrepair and its ownership was the subject of a court case initiated by Anne Chapple's mother. The Cottage having its own fight for survival somewhat akin to the soldiers who gave their lives at Gallipoli, for whom this enduring memorial was built.


Entry is free with afternoon tea available for a gold coin donation.

If you would like to know more about this event or further information about ANZAC Cottage, check out their Facebook page , email [email protected], call Anne on 0411 445 582, and while you are at it, take a peek here and see what the Cottage looks like now .

Images are courtesy of the Friends of ANZAC Cottage unless otherwise noted. Artwork is by John F.

#western_suburbs
#western_australia
#public_lectures
#perth_city
#open_days
#near_perth
#mount_hawthorn
#memorials
#history
#historic_houses
#greater_perth
#anzac_day
#november
!date 06/11/2016 -- 06/11/2016
%wnperth