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As part of Heritage Week, the Gundaroo and District Historical Society (GDHS) will hold an event on Saturday, April 28 to commemorate William Ralph Clemenger, one of the so-called ‘Kings of Gundaroo’.
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This year marks the 100th anniversary of his death in 1918 after living in Gundaroo for more than 35 years.
In that time, ‘Clem’ or ‘Mr Clem’, as he was known, made a great contribution to the sporting, social and cultural development of the village and its overall progress at an important time during its establishment.
Who was Clem?
Mr Clemenger arrived in the village in 1882 at the age of 17 as the telegraph operator and soon after was appointed as the village’s first postmaster.
Other achievements included being a magistrate, captaining the cricket team, playing football, owning race horses and teaching boxing to local youth.
He also organised concerts and other entertainment, composing and performing his own poems and songs.
In 1890, he married a local girl Ellen (‘Nelly’) Booth. After his death she continued as postmaster until 1921.
Nelly and Clem had three sons: Ralph, Charles and John.
At the event on April 28, GDHS is expecting some of their great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren to attend on the day.
Memorial for him
Clemenger’s Memorial on the corner of Cork and Harp streets was erected in 1919 using funds raised by public subscription.
It was erected by grateful residents to acknowledge Clem’s work in developing the village. Thanks to a Heritage Grant from Yass Valley Council and voluntary work from locals, the Memorial is being rejuvenated.
Part of the heritage week event will be a re-launch at 12pm at the Memorial.
GDHS is also holding a display between 10am and 4pm at the Gundaroo Literary Institute in Cork Street.
The display will have elements of Clemenger’s life in Gundaroo, including a number of historical artefacts from the Post Office.
Sausage sandwiches and drinks will be sold to raise funds for GDHS.
For more information, please contact Ron Miller on 0411 400 897 or historicalsocietygundaroo@gmail.com.