Penneshaw Nursing Home

1914 "Nurse Smith Nursing Home"

1920 Local Court Room was being used as a nursing home.

District Nurse Mrs Cox

It was resolved that Council apply for a loan for the build of a Nursing Home, as soon as terms of loan are available, and instructed Clerk to apply for a site for the Home on Park Lands, south of pound reserve.

On Monday evening, Nov. 30, the numerous friends of Nurse and Miss Coxe met to bid them farewell and God speed on the eve of their departure. The large gathering spoke for itself of the popularity of these two ladies... Mr Davey announced that the most important part of the evening had arrived, which commenced by little Dinney Bates presenting Nurse Coxe with a bouquet of flowers. Mr J. M. Grimshaw then spoke in eulogistic terms of Nurse Coxe's work on the Island during her stay here, and presented her with a beautiful framed illuminated address worded as follows : — ' We, the undersigned, on behalf of the residents of the district of Dudley, meet together for the purpose of presenting to you a small token of our esteem and regard upon the occasion of your severance from us as district nurse. We part with you, with great reluctance and great regret, sincerely thanking you for your conscientious, sympathetic and capable attention in all cases of sickness and distress during your term of some seven years in our midst. We will also miss exceeding ly your generosity and help in all social efforts. We desire you to rest assured you carry with you our best wishes for health, much happiness and prosperity.' — Signed by the ladies of the committee ... Mr Bates in a most capable manner spoke of Miss Coxe's help in the district in all social matters and said that we could ill afford to lose Miss Coxe and her mother ...

See Hannah Mary Deane (Matron, Penneshaw Nursing Home 1930-1937)

Mr Deane came over last Monday July 10th, to collect his and his wife's personal belongings from the Nursing Home. He received word before he left on Wednesday that Sister was gradually sinking, and she passed away before he reached Adelaide. It is a sad ending to their life here. It is just seven years since Sister Deane took charge of the Nursing Home, which was like Mother Hubbard's cupboard when she came. The District Council bestirred itself, and made improvements, including a new kichen, to the home, and appointed the Women's Committee, which soon got busy and before long with a grant from the Council and a ready response from the public, had the home well equipped with linen, crockery, etc. A gift from the Salt Lake enabled one new bed to be put in, another was purchased by the women's committee.