Left: An umbrella brought Mavis Mortimer’s great-great-grandmother to Australia.By Kath Gannaway
A STOLEN umbrella has had quite an impact on the life of Mavis Mortimer.
Her great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth McKenzie, was transported to Tasmania in 1843 for stealing an umbrella.
The story of 16-year-old Elizabeth and how she came to rest in Upper Yarra Cemetery is one of many which will come to life during a heritage tour of the cemetery focusing on pioneer mothers.
Who would Mavis be if Elizabeth hadn’t fallen foul of the law. Where would she be?
Cemetery trustees Rosemary Crowley and Ellena Biggs will take the tour as part of an Open Day on Sunday 18 May.
In addition to celebrating 115 years service to the community, the office extension will be officially opened and a plaque unveiling and presentation of certificates of appreciation will take place.
Ms Biggs said Elizabeth McKenzie’s story is one of many interesting stories of ordinary women whose lives as pioneers made them lots of ways extraordinary.
Elizabeth and her husband Alexander had 10 children. She came to live with her eldest daughter Catherine Gordon (Sheldon, McKenzie) in Millgrove in about 1913.
The cemetery’s historical records and location maps will be on display and light refreshments will be served.
Visitors are also invited to bring along a picnic lunch and take some time to wander through the park-like cemetery grounds.
The Upper Yarra Public Cemetery is on the corner of Warburton Highway and Settlement Road in Wesburn. The open day runs from 10am to 2.30pm.
For further information phone 5966 2568 or 5967 2572.
