1936 Shirley Gardens brings happiness and peace

Shirley Gardens brings ‘happiness and peace’

On 29 February 1936, Resthaven at Shirley Gardens was officially opened by Lady Ruby Dugan, the wife of the Governor who was loved by South Australians. She was met by the President of Conference, the Principal of Wesley College, Rev. Frank Lade, and a very large crowd of interested people.

The President and Lady Dugan were ushered through a guard of honour formed by members of the Methodist Girls’ Comradeship, and Rev. Charles Schafer spoke of Resthaven’s history, aims and objectives.

Article in The Australian Christian Commonwealth

^{1936 '“RESTHAVEN.”',}^{Australian Christian Commonwealth (SA : 1901 - 1940)}^{, 27 March, p. 7.}^{http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article215839192}

Lady Dugan’s opening speech struck just the right note with the gathering:

‘Old age in congenial surroundings [was] a beautiful thing’. She hoped ‘with all her heart … that all who enter[ed] through this door [at Shirley Gardens might] find the happiness and peace which [was] their right’.

After the official thanks were tendered by Rev. W.T. Shapley and Mr Walter Hannaford MLC, and a bouquet presented to Lady Dugan, everyone joined in for afternoon tea.

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Rev Frank Lade and Lady Ruby Dugan at the opening of Shirley Gardens

Following the official opening, a set of fine bookshelves soon arrived from Government House. This gift set a precedent. Soon, other donations followed, and the house was furnished therewith.