Pictured above: The book awarded to Ellie Painter in 1919
In early November an anonymous caller from Queensland rang the Dumbleyung CRC seeking the owner of a book he had found in his possession. The book was a Collanilling School Award, dated from the end of school presentation in 1919. The Collanilling School was originally located between Dumbleyung and Wagin and the book, a special prize titled ‘Shakespeare Stories for Children’, was awarded to then student Ellie Painter from teacher Mr A.J.Nalder.
After some research and phone calls we were able to get the book to Heather Hunter, niece of the late Ellie Painter. Heather’s father was Ellie’s younger brother and unfortunately, the only member of the family still with us is Heather’s mother, who currently resides at Warratah Lodge in Wagin.
The family were delighted to receive the book and just to add interest to the historical puzzle, the donor of the book prize (Mr A.J.Nalder) was Heather’s mother’s father, Albert James Nalder! She is very appreciative and the book will now stay in the family!
After some research and phone calls we were able to get the book to Heather Hunter, niece of the late Ellie Painter. Heather’s father was Ellie’s younger brother and unfortunately, the only member of the family still with us is Heather’s mother, who currently resides at Warratah Lodge in Wagin.
The family were delighted to receive the book and just to add interest to the historical puzzle, the donor of the book prize (Mr A.J.Nalder) was Heather’s mother’s father, Albert James Nalder! She is very appreciative and the book will now stay in the family!
 |  Pictured left: The Award sticker for Ellie Painter inserted at the front of the book Pictured above: A sample of the books contents |
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