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This beautifully preserved christening gown, which was donated in 1979 by Mrs Eakins, was a family heirloom belonging to the Turner Family of Woking, England. Frederick and Maude (nee Blay) Turner were married 26th October 1901 in St John’s Church, Woking, England. They had three children, Elsie, born 24th December 1902, Henry Roy, born 14th June 1912 and Ena, born 19th May 1919. Elsie is the baby wearing the gown in the photo. The family arrived in Australia 12th July 1923, on the “Jervis Bay” in Fremantle. Frederick took 1000 acres of virgin land 10 miles NE of Southern Cross, lot 501 in Wheatley. His was the first claim to be taken up in the Wheatley district, and he was the last farmer left in the district after the depression. Frederick died in the Southern Cross Hospital 12th February 1939 and is buried in the Southern Cross Cemetery. Maude survived her husband by 22 years and died 5th April 1961. The gown must have held great sentimental worth to the family to have been looked after so well for so long and to have lasted almost 130 years!

In May 2023 the Shire received an email from a gentleman travelling through the area. He had found what he believed to be a lonely grave that was unmarked, along Emu Fence Road. The email was forwarded to the Yilgarn History Museum. Mr John Rooney was extremely helpful in providing not only photos but also GPS coordinates of the site. He had tried contacting Lonely Graves WA via their website but unfortunately the lady who had run it had sadly passed away. With a little bit of research, the Museum were able to find another group of amazing people that honour outback graves, Outback Graves Markers Inc. An email was sent to the group and Trevor Tough got back to us pretty quickly. He was very impressed with John’s thorough description of his find. They put their researchers onto the job and promised to let us know when they were able to get out there. In the meantime, Kaye Crafter, a volunteer of the Yilgarn History Museum, took a trip to the area and was easily able to find the site using John’s directions. Within a few months Trevor got back to us with a possible name, a “Mr Sever”, who was believed to have passed away on the Marvel Loch Road. Without definitive confirmation however, it was decided that the plaque would be marked as “Unknown Pioneer” with the hopes that one day more information would turn up to help fill in some of the story. The plaque was finally placed a couple of weeks ago. Trevor and his team at Outback Graves do an amazing job of recognising and honouring so many of Australia’s pioneers that we owe so much to. The people that took chances exploring in areas unknown, with many paying the ultimate sacrifice. The ordinary people that fought against harsh environments without the luxuries we take for granted today like water! We would like to offer our sincerest thanks to John Rooney and Trevor and the team at Outback Grave Markers for their help in honouring the fallen unknown pioneer on Emu Fence Road. www.outbackgraves.org

The “ICYBALL” is an absorption refrigerator built by the Crosely Radio Corporation, Cincinnati USA. An Australian refrigerator pioneer, Edward Hallstrom, also produced a model using a similar design.

Goats were the only source of fresh milk in Southern Cross until 1904 when Percy Forrester started his “Minburra Dairy”. Later Jim Nunn operated “Bellevue Dairy”. To keep his milk, cream, butter and other produce cool Forrester excavated a large cellar which included facilities for bacon making. Mud from the cellar was used to construct his homestead.

The mystery of Styles' Locket

One of the most interesting of the many specimens of minerals at the Yilgarn History Museum.

One of the many amazing items that can be viewed at the Yilgarn History Museum.

Australia's Golden Outback have compiled excellent resources on where to find the best wildflowers, including in the Shire of Yilgarn.

Southern Cross is home to some excellent sporting facilities - there's something for everybody.