South Australia’s 150 Jubilee Year

From a report of the reunion prepared by Mrs Ev Pitman

On October 19th, 1986, 250 people met at the Houghton Oval.  Except for several visitors, they were all descendants of Jacob, Benjamin, William and John Pitman, who came to Australia from England in the years 1838 to 1851.  Their story is told in the book The Australians of a Branch of the Pitman Family which was printed in 1954.  Much of the work needed to produce this book was done by Miss Haidee Pitman, who was present at the reunion (aged 87 years).

Relatives came from Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland, as well as many from both country and city areas of South Australia.

Also present were Miss Maggie Ragless, representing the SA Jubilee 150 Committee, and Mr Tudor Day – Managing Director of Pitman Publishing Co, Melbourne.  He was accompanied by his wife and two daughters.

Miss Haidee Pitman spoke briefly about the family and Miss Ragless spoke about the work of the Jubilee 150 Committee.

Mr Tudor Day told of the 150th year of Pitman Shorthand, which will be celebrated in 1987.  It is planned to print facsimile copies of the Pitman book for this occasion and orders were taken for these.  It was proposed that, if an update of the book is to be printed, information should be collected by the next reunion in October 1988.

200 souvenir teaspoons were sold and proved so popular that a further 108 have been sold since the Reunion.

A pooled luncheon was served on colourfully decorated tables, and was enjoyed by all, together with plentiful supplies of tea, coffee and cordial.  Prior to the meal the Jubilee 150 Prayer was read by all present – this was a truly inspiring moment as we shared in a common bond of God, family and pride in our country.

Group photos and a video (included on the DVD) were taken during the day and everyone registered their names in the books provided.  Each person was given a coloured spot to place on name-tags, to show from which branch of the family they had come.

The proceedings were all held in the Houghton Oval Shed.  Despite the coolness of the day and the heavy shower of hail which interrupted Rev Harold Pitman‘s introduction of the speakers, the atmosphere was warm and friendly and the Reunion was regarded by all as a great success.

Those responsible for the Reunion arrangements were as follows:

Mr Ron Pitman (convener) and his wife Evelyn, Mr Glen and Mrs Marion Pitman, Mr Frank Myers, Mr Malcolm and Mrs Bonnie Fraser, Mr Neil Videon and Miss Haidee Pitman.

See the Reunion 1986 album on Facebook for more Reunion photos.