The Grand Old Man of Kalgoorlie – Lewis Alman

With the passing of Louis Arthur Alman, Mayor of Kalgoorlie, on April 1, 1969, at the age of 82, the goldfields community lost one of its most esteemed citizens, and the Western Australia’s Jewish community mourned a steadfast leader. For over 38 years, often nearly single-handedly, Alman kept the flame of Judaism alive in Kalgoorlie.

Lewis Arthur Alman in his Mayoral Robes – Photo Find a Grave

Kalgoorlie Lodge No 24 WAC c 1920-21 – Image: D Daws

In the above 1920-21 photograph, Alman is pictured as the Inner Guard of the Masonic Lodge, standing center in the back row, holding a dagger. In 1933, following the sudden death of long-serving Lodge Secretary R. Wor. Bro. Enoch Law—possibly during a lodge meeting—Alman, then Worshipful Brother “Lew,” stepped into the role. He served as Secretary for 36 years until his death in March 1969, by then having earned the title of Right Worshipful Brother. As Worshipful Master, he fulfilled traditional duties, such as hosting the annual Masquerade Ball, evidenced by this preserved ticket from the era.

Masquerade Ball Ticket – Image: D Daws

Appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1966, Alman also ran a painting and interior decorating business with his brother until retiring in 1965. His dedication to faith was equally profound: as president of the Kalgoorlie Hebrew Congregation since 1931, he sustained Judaism in the region for over three decades. With his death, the congregation dissolved, leaving only the Perth Hebrew Congregation and the Temple of David in Perth to serve Western Australia’s Jewish community.

In tribute to his legacy, flags flew at half-mast across Kalgoorlie upon his passing. A special service, officiated by Rabbi Dr. Shalom Coleman and attended by the Bishop of Kalgoorlie and diverse community members, was held in the Kalgoorlie Town Hall before his burial in the Jewish section of the Kalgoorlie Cemetery.

Born January 28, 1887, in Ballarat, Victoria, to Charles Isaac Alman and Sarah (née Davis), Lewis Arthur Alman arrived in Kalgoorlie in 1897 at age ten with his parents, three brothers, and one sister. After school, he worked at the Kalgoorlie Bottling Works. He married Rosetta Sarah Katz in September 1912 in Kalgoorlie, and they raised five children there: Phoebe Violet (b. 1913), Sydney Arthur (b. 1916), Albert Victor (b. 1917), Stella Doris (b. 1919), and Irene Sarah (b. 1923). He was survived by his children and his wife Rosetta, who lived to 101 years before joining him in the Kalgoorlie Cemetery.

Grave of Lewis and Rosetta Alman – Kalgoorlie Cemetery – Photo Find a Grave.

References:
Harold Boase – Perth 1970
Doug Daws – Kalgoorlie Masonic Lodge.
City of Kalgoorlie Boulder Archives
TROVE

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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