AS Gloria Feuerherdt and Ron Wiesner make their way around Walla, they often reflect on what used be to here and there.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 95 and 93-year-olds are the township’s oldest citizens and have seen dozens of businesses and people come and go.
They witnessed the rise and fall of the railway when it went through the heart of the town as well as the excitement the construction of a 25-metre swimming pool caused in 1969.
Ron remembers fundraising for the pool.
But it’s been the evolution of Commercial Street which remains Gloria and Ron’s strongest memory.
“A lot has changed over the years, but the thing that sticks in my mind from my younger days is the gravel road going up the main street,” Ron said.
“It was just a bit of a track at that stage.
“We probably only came into town once every week or so from the farm on a Friday night to go to Mackies General Store.
“We didn’t take the car out too often back then.”
Gloria and Ron still have their driving licences and, with Walla holding its 150th anniversary this weekend, the pair have found it impossible not to reminisce.
“I’ve been reading books and looking at pictures and all sorts of things come back to you,” Gloria said.
Both have played significant roles in the town’s history.
Gloria followed in her mother's footsteps by joining the Red Cross in 1944 and is still an active member.
“It’s been a long time,” Gloria said.
“Red Cross helped me a lot over the years.
“I’ve enjoyed it.”
While two of Gloria’s passions have been the Red Cross and Zion Lutheran Church, farming and lawn bowls have been close to Ron’s heart.
He started playing at the Walla Bowling Club in the 1980s and is still braving the heat each weekend on the greens.
“I love my bowls,” Ron said.
“The walk from one end to the other might finish me off though.”
Ron said Walla had always been blessed with business with hundreds of people being employed in the 700-strong township.
“Walla has always had a good business income,” he said.
“We have the businesses and St Paul’s College as well.
“We’ve been pretty lucky with that over the years.”
Despite the predicted hot weather, big crowds are set to celebrate Walla’s anniversary starting with a historical display and celebration launch on Friday.
A German festival and town tours will highlight Saturday, followed by a community picnic lunch on Sunday and huge street celebration on Monday.
For further information about this weekend’s celebrations visit wallawalla.nsw.a
