THERE’S a small photo in the Queensland Police Museum showing a mounted policeman leading the Anzac Day procession through Rosewood in April 1947.
The policeman is Sgt Harold (Hal) Wacker who was the Officer in Charge at the Rosewood Police Station.
Sgt Wacker and his wife, Myrl, would leave the district later that year so Hal could take up a promotion to the Toowoomba Police Station.
He only served in the town for a few years, but he left an impression.
Sgt Wacker was born into a family of achievers.
His father Karl, a German immigrant, was described as a prominent figure in woodcraft and art furnishing circles in Brisbane.
According to Karl’s obituary in 1931: “Many of the Queensland Governors and several Government departments were supplied with furnishings created by his artistic skills.
“He also had the honour of being selected to design and construct the furniture for several members of the British Royal family during their visits to Brisbane.”
One of Hal’s brothers, Henry, founded the firm of Morgan and Wacker Motorcycles with Bob Morgan in 1917. The firm gained fame and is today known as the second oldest Harley Davidson dealership outside the United States.
“First operating out of Elizabeth Street Brisbane in 1917, the company had a turbulent beginning, with Morgan retiring from the company only six months after establishment, due to health issues,” according to the history of the firm.
“Although Morgan’s time was brief, his name was carried on ever since.
“Needing help, Henry Wacker turned to his four brothers [including Hal], who all eventually joined Wacker in revolutionising the Australian motorcycle industry.”
Another brother, Fred, took on the stage name of Frederick Haldane and made his fortune through his business interests in the movie industry in Australia and the United States.
NEXT WEEK: We focus on Hal’s time as the local Police Sergeant in the Rosewood district.
