The
CLERMONT RAG Community Newsletter Friday October 6, 2017
Musical keepsake pulls on historic heart strings A violin once owned by a heroic woman who helped save five lives during the great Clermont Flood has returned home to Isaac. “Rose was very active in the church and charitable work and was organist at local Church’s and regularly requested for weddings, evidence suggesting she played for an incredible number of weddings.
The beautifully crafted Stainer violin is now a new addition to the Rose Harris Collection at Clermont Historical Museum. Judy Smith nee Rickertt was bequeathed the violin in 1988 when her late Uncle Harry Rickertt passed away.
“Mr Rickertt played Rose’ violin in Duck’s Orchestra, Clermont during the 1940s and 50s.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said Rose Harris is a Clermont icon, a talented musician and believed to be Australia’s first female saddler.
“He was a firm believer that you had to play an instrument in his words - to keep it musically sweet.” The Rose Harris Collection consists of original photographs, memoirs, keepsakes and samples of her leatherwork.
“She learnt her skills under the strict tutelage of her father in his saddler business William T. Harris’ Saddlery on Drummond Street,” Mayor Baker said.
Rose’ story is featured in the Clermont Historical Centre’s Flood of Memories exhibition, which ends on December 23, 2017.
“On December 27, 1916 Rose earned hero status when she and her father saved five lives during the great Clermont flood. “They were both perched on the roof of the two-storey saddler’s shop watching people being swept past by raging flood waters. “At great personal risk she climbed back into the shop to grab halters and ropes, transformed them into lassoes and threw them to drowning men and women. “Several times, Rose bravely swam out to the victims to ensure their rescue. “The Saddlery business was destroyed in the flood, later to be rebuilt in Capella Street.”
Judith Smith, nee Rickertt, holds the Rose Harris violin.
Clermont Historical Museum Coordinator Deb Alvoen said Judy treasured Rose’s violin, she felt very strongly that it should be returned to the Clermont district where Rose was a much loved and treasured resident. “Thank you Judy for this prized possession, this is the treasure of the Rose Harris collection,” Ms Alvoen said.
The exhibition features local stories, photography and memorabilia from the 1916 Clermont Flood. The centre will be open for the start of the December school holidays. Visitors are welcome Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 3pm up until the closure on Christmas Eve. For more details on Clermont Historical Centre’s opening times please visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Service Centre available 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).
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