13/12/2025
On this day, 13 December 1913, twelve days before Christmas, a happy party made up of Lavinia Henderson, 45 (pictured), and her two daughters Jessie, 18 (pictured middle), and Elsie, 17 (pictured top), ventured to a swimming spot in the Albert River near to where the Henderson family lived. Her husband and 15-year-old son did not attend. Before arriving, they dropped in on a neighbour, recently married Annie Dunn, who joined in along with Dorice Wilcox, 21, who was visiting. They realised they had left behind the sealed kerosene tin that had been fitted up with handles and was used as a float as none of the ladies was a capable swimmer. Annie went back for the tin, and on her returned to the river, she found her friend Dorice, along with Elsie and Jessie gone and Mrs Henderson disappearing for the last time. Four ladies drowned that day in a terrible tragedy keenly felt. The ladies are buried in St John the Evangelist Anglican Church Cemetery, Tamborine Village. The beautiful photos kindly provided by Leanne Hutton and descendants of the Henderson family. Always remembered (please be respectful to the descendants in your comments). From our ‘Grave Tales: Qld’s Scenic Rim & surrounds’ volume.
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