Last weekend, the town welcomed a significant number of descendants of Matthew Thomas Dwyer (also known as Tom) and Willena Jane Banham (known as Tiny to some and Nana to many) who travelled from as far away as Queensland to attend a family reunion. This year was chosen to mark the hundredth wedding anniversary of Tom and Tiny, who were married at St Edwards Church in May, 1923.
One of the highlights was the unveiling of a brass plaque on the Pioneers Wall outside the Historical Society Museum on Gaskill Street. The plaque commemorates the contribution that Tom and Tiny Dwyer, long-time residents of Waddell Street, made to the community as farmer, wool and skin buyer and agent for Golden Fleece petroleum.
The family connection began in 1880 with the arrival of Tom’s parents to Glenlogan. Tom and Tiny had two children (Stanley John and Frances Claire). Their descendants number ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren.
After an introduction by Jennifer Wythes, the president of the Historical Society, Ted Dwyer, the grandson of Tom and Tiny, gave a speech in memory of the couple and their connection to the district. He then unveiled the plaque to the applause of those in attendance.
As a way of reconnecting with the township, the family produced a booklet detailing landmarks in the streetscape that hold significance for the family. Other activities included a visit to St Edward’s School, a memorial dinner and a wreath laying at the cemetery. Some descendants stayed on to take part in the Anzac Day services to honour the war services of Matthew Thomas and Stanley John in the first and second world wars, respectively.