Mt Pleasant District History

19/06/2026

On quite a few occasions we’ve had people from out of town popping in to check out our lovely hall. It’s a lot of fun showing them around, and sometimes, I even get the dates right! Thank you to those who appreciate the effort Paula has made in researching and gathering information about our lovely hall and district by popping some money in the donation box.
We had an interesting session last week, going through a box of photos from a local family. Google wasn’t as helpful as we’d hoped, but it was fun trying to place the people in the photos. Paula is hoping that scanning them and adjusting the tone may give us some clearer images. Fingers crossed!
Don’t forget, if you come across some old family photos, and you’d like to know more, Paula may be able to help. If you’re not sure whether to keep them, or even how to keep them, let Paula have a look. Please don’t throw anything away that might help us solve some mysteries.

03/05/2026

We set up a display in the meeting room at the Mount Pleasant Barossa Library, with banners and some items from the History Room which people may not have known we have for viewing. However, although this was booked we have now been asked to remove the items and the banners will be on display throughout the library. This means that my planned Free Draw for a copy of The Quiet Waters By, is not longer viable. My plan was to gain some insight into how many people would view the display and be rewarded for a chance for a copy of a 'hard to come by' history book. I apologise if you had planned a visit... you will still be able to see some of our efforts, but sadly, not appreciate the effort that goes into the development of the banners and booklets we are happy to share. Our History Room runs purely on donations so this opportunity to 'advertise' was appreciated, although now it is coming up short. We are open each Thursday afternoon, or by appointment if this doesn't suit. Hopefully you will find a time to visit our History Room soon.

01/05/2026

Sometimes, history throws up the most amazing tales.

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

Don't forget - for all those clamouring for a copy of "The Quiet Waters By", Paula is running a FREE raffle for all those who pop in to check out the display during the History Festival!!

30/04/2026

Paula set up the display in the Library this afternoon.
Sticking to the History Festival theme of 'Connections' Paula has gathered information about some of the early settlers, soldiers, buildings and strong women.
We are trialling a new way of giving people access to our collection during History Festival. The opening hours are the same as the Library. Please note that the Library will be closed on the 5th may, but reopen on the 6th.

28/04/2026

Catharine Schofield was the proprietor of the Totness Inn for 28 years after her husband died in 1869, after an accident that threw him from his trap into the stone wall of the Inn, hitting his head. The property was left to Catharine and she continued the business, possibly with the help of her daughter and grandsons.
To find out more of her story, visit the display at the Mount Pleasant Barossa Library during business hours in May, and view the banner we have created, and the booklet we have produced telling a little of the Schofield history.
While there you can enter a FREE DRAW for a copy of the local history book, The Quiet Waters By, by Reg Butler. Just leave us your name and contact details in the 'raffle book' provided.

27/04/2026

Interesting piece relevant to the display on Anzac Day

The cost of war is profound. Over 3,000 Australian nurses served in WWI alongside the ANZACS. They worked in confronting conditions, often close to frontlines, overwhelmed with casualties and horrific injuries.
While the term 'shellshocked' became used for returning men, trauma carried by the nurses was hidden and dismissed for decades.
Read more in the ANMJ - https://bit.ly/3QjW8gh