Gnowangerup History

The Girl's Club was started by Mrs. Millie Bearman (nee Brade) in memory of her husband. The colours of the club uniforms were black and gold, the same as the colours of the 11th Battalion in which her late husband served.
The club was in operation in the twenties. .

Pearl Marshall: "The girls needed to be sixteen or older to join. Millie was Captain and planned many interesting and enjoyable activities for the girls including excursions. The uniform was a 'black dress with a fitted bodice, a gold band on the sleeves, gold buttons down the front, a gold band at the waist and a flared skirt with a gold band about two inches wide at the bottom. We also had a beret in black and gold”.

The following is an item from the local paper:-

On Monday 24th August the girls entertained over a hundred guests in the Memorial Hall. Excellent music was supplied by Mrs. McPherson's orchestra of six instruments and the supper, served and provided by the girls, was enjoyed by all. Dancing, games and bridge were indulged in up to the small hours of the morning.

Mrs. M. C. Smith and Mr. Tom Hams won the bridge tournament, whilst many prizes were won by dancers who stood on lucky spots or were fortunate when cards were drawn. All agreed that the evening was a happy one.

On Thursday 27th ult.. the R.S.L. room was crowded when the girls held their monthly card evening. It is gratifying to see the public showing, in such an unmistakable manner, their appreciation of the good work done by the girls. On 24th jnst., the next card evening will be held.

The members of the club were pleased to receive the kind invitation of the Gnowangerup M.U.I.O.O.F. Society for the last Wednesday.

Several parcels of clothes have been collected and mended by the girls to be handed over to the R.S.L.

On Wednesday evening 4th February 1931

Great bursts of hilarity proceeding from the Show Grounds caused one adventurous young man to go there to investigate.
He was amazed to see slim youths in “ cream" doing the light fantastic in the moonlight with young ladies in gay beach pyjamas.
A natty little " Major" dance unconcernedly with a hair be-ragged " Topsy," whilst other fancy costumed young folk made the old swing creak noisily and the see-saw spin merrily.
The daring young man was soon observed and quickly shoved off the grounds.
No mere males were allowed, for the G.G.C. was holding a moonlight picnic.
Games succeeded dances, then a much appreciated supper was partaken of, the main object on the well-provisioned table being a beautifully decorated birthday cake.
This was a gift from the girls to their President (Mrs F. McDonald) who of course was “sweet seventeen” next day.
A suitable gift, symbolic of the of the members, many gave their best wishes for a happy birthday. was also presented to her amid great applause.
Next afternoon the girls enjoyed a dainty afternoon tea and games at the President's home, where each and all sampled the toothsome cake.
Two more happy times were thus added to the already long list of happy doings of the G.G.C.”