George Gayford Wiluna 1935
This is a photograph of George Gayford, a prospector, taken about 1935 in Wilina. He died the same year as this photo was taken. He is buried in the
Wiluna Cemetery I have always thought this image captures the hard life of the prospector in the early days. How tough must he have been to still be digging holes with a pick at 85 yrs old?? The photograph is from the collection of Stephanie O’Meagher.
Although I can find no death notices for Mr Gayford this article from the Daily Mail in Perth mentions him as one of the ‘oldest residents in the district.’
The Daily News – 12th Mar 1932
On Monday night the Capitol Theatre was comfortably filled with the many friends and well-wishers of Mr. and Mra. J. Strauss, who, after residing in Wiluna for the past 25 years, are leaving for Perth. Mr. Strauss has been in business as a contractor and undertaker, but owing to ill health he was forced to relinquish his interests and seek a climate more suitable to his health. Dancing interspersed with musical items passed a very pleasant evening. Mr.Geo. Gayford, one of the oldest settlers left in the district, made a presentation to the guests on behalf of those present, consisting of a wallet of notes, and in a brief and happy speech referred to the many good qualities of both Mr. and Mrs. Strauss. He wished them every success and happiness in their future life. Mr. Strauss, in responding, thanked all present for their kindness. Musical items were contributed by Mesdames D. Reidy Croft, .T. D. Moss, N. H. Graham, L. Vague, and Mr. J. L. Martin. An energetic ladies’ committee, consisting of Mesdames Mills, Perry, Webb, and Clarke, served a tasty supper. Constable R. Fawcett, late of Wiluna and now of Meekatharra, is a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Strauss.
The following photograph is also from her collection and it is of her Grandmother Daisy Mona Phyllis O’MEAGHER and was taken outside her house in Wiluna in 1935. Stephanie’s grandfather had a business up there, a grocery store, and he also had a team of bullocks for cartage which he used to drive
Mona O’Meagher at Wiluna
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