AN HISTORIC photograph of the building now occupied by Rosewood Country Women’s Association (CWA) has been presented to the group by former councillor David Pahlke.
David is also a member of the Rosewood History Group and an avid amateur historian.
He said the former National Bank property was bought by the CWA in 1975 for the grand sum of $500.
It became the CWA’s headquarters and this is why the photo is so important to the association.
Newcomers to Rosewood may not be familiar with the history preceding the CWA’s acquisition.
David has lived in the area for more than 40 years and enjoys sharing his knowledge.
“Originally the building was the Royal Bank of Queensland, and it opened in 1887,” he explained.
“In the January of 1914, a fire destroyed several buildings including the Rosewood Hotel.
“The Royal Bank and half a dozen shops in the main street were razed and all that was left of the bank was its vault.
“It was rebuilt and in 1917 became the Bank of Queensland when the Royal Bank and the Bank of North Queensland amalgamated.”
David explained that in 1922 a merger between the Bank of Queensland and the National Bank meant it became known as the Queensland National Bank.
“In 1948, it was taken over by the National Bank of Australia and in 1982 renamed National Australia Bank and moved to the other side of the street,” he said.
This year the Rosewood CWA turns 100 and to celebrate the milestone it’s asking anyone who has memorabilia to make contact with members and share it with them.
Member Gaylene Stack said what they wanted most was historical literature and photographs.
They only have one booklet and it’s one that covers the period from 1924 to 1984.
