Onkaparinga Valley Archive

Australia's Olympic team, 100 years ago. Paris 1924.

Learning to swim at the Darryl Pinnock Memorial pool, Oakbank Area School. (Does anyone know who the girl is?)

When Mr Piper moved on after approx. 9 years he was farewelled with a "smoke social" and Mr Connolly took over as licensee in 1913. (Rev. Turnbull on horseback)

Back in the day when Balhannah Hotel was Pipers Hotel. circa 1913

Thanks to all who helped us raise over $700 at our book sale. Hope you're managing to keep warm. (I'm sure I can still smell the Kerosene from our Fireside heater at home!)

Remember school milk? It sat out in the sun until recess time, then we made Xmas decorations with the foil tops. Don't forget our BOOK SALE THIS WEEKEND!

The book sale is on again, bigger and better than ever. Heaps of new additions, plenty of variety. Thanks to everyone for their support.

The last train on the Mount Pleasant line 3rd March1963. Lots more photos for train buffs at Charleston Saturday afternoon. 2.00 - 4.00

Today is World Bee Day. They are probably tucked in their hives at the moment but honey on crumpets sounds good.

A joint activity - includes film footage of the last train on the Balhannah to Mount Pleasant line as well as the Lobethal motorbike races and a chance to view plenty of historic photos of the Onkaparinga Valley.

Here is a photo of my great uncle William Leak taken near Walters Road ,Oakbank in the late 1800s. Check him out on Trove - there is an interesting story about him having an accident on the Green Dragon weigh bridge. Tony Kemp. (for those of you who remember the Green Dragon Hotel, corner South Terrace & Pulteney Street)

To all Mothers - Happy Mother's Day!

Leak's bridge, named after Tony Kemp's Great Grandfather, Matthew Leak. The original bridge on Shillabeer Road.

Check out the story of ANZAC. Balhannah Soldiers'Memorial Hall 8.30am - 3.00pm tomorrow.

The Story of ANZAC. Balhannah Soldiers' Memorial Hall 25th April 2024 8.30am - 3.00pm

Do you have ancestors whose name appears on our beautiful Honour Roll? After attending the Dawn Service at Oakbank call in to the Archive in the Balhannah Soldiers' Memorial Hall. We have service details of everyone listed, plus the story of ANZAC .

Monday crowds at Oakbank 1939 (State Library of SA.)

DOIRAN. Only horse to win the Great Eastern Steeplechase four times. 1918,1919,1922,1923. (PRG 280/1/34/35 State Library of SA)
Back then races were only held on Easter Monday.

Back in 1922 it was noted in the Daily Herald "At 1/2 past 9 the main road from the city to the course was one long string of vehicles loaded to their carrying capacity for the 2 or 3 hours drive."
Traffic today looks like the trafffic of 1941, except today it's the Balhannah bridge and not the railway cossing!

Easter is here. The campers are arriving. (1951)

Many thanks to everyone who made our recent book sale and raffle such a success. Money can now be spent on framing a montage of local WW1 enlistees.

The new Woodside swimming pool 1975

Great weather for a picnic. (State Library of South Australia B-9231)

Now it's back to school! (Balhannah School 1858 - 1938)

Final book sale for the year, but this time we have toys as well. Many as new, still in their boxes. Suitable for Christmas gift giving. Also top quality books as usual. Looking forward to the Hall's centenary next year. Book launch and celebrations in October.

Remembrance Day - Saturday 11th November 2023. Balhannah Soldier's Memorial Hall will be open 9.30 - 2.00. Honour Rolls and memorabilia on display. Access to the Virtual War Memorial. LEST WE FORGET

Congratulating Oakbank/Balhannah EFS/CFS on 70 years of selfless service to our community. On Sunday check out how far they've come since 1953. Many special thanks. (photo 1989)

Frederick Osborn & Maria Louise Ida (nee Wuttke) married 14th February 1893. Osborn began the very successful Balhannah Cheese and Butter factory in 1894. (Property now known as 'Merridong')

Further afield archive news… 😜😂

We've just had a library book returned that was due back in 1974 how's your day going?

It's been in a box which has moved house several times so it's in excellent condition.

And before you ask

❌ No we didn't charge a fine
❌ No we've not been looking for it
✅ Yes we wish they'd kept it until January 2024 so it had been overdue for 50 years 😂