Caring for historic home rekindles fond childhood memories

Lorraine Carlson has always had an affinity with King Cottage Museum.

Lorraine’s grandparents Henry and Alice Carlson bought the iconic Bunbury home and 2ha of land from Henry King when they decided to move from Balingup in 1923.

The decision, which was ultimately based on providing better schooling to their sons Ivan and Roy, started a family connection with the cottage which has spanned 94 years and counting.

Lorraine, who is Ivan’s daughter, grew up in the home next to King Cottage, while Roy raised his family in the other neighbouring house.

Speaking to the South Western Times at King Cottage, Lorraine recalled many fond childhood memories living next to her grandparents with her sister and three brothers.

“We were here every day,” Lorraine said.

“We would always climb the fence or jump the gate so we could spend time with Nana and Parpie.”

Work commitments led Lorraine away from Bunbury in 1966, the same year her family sold the cottage and land to the now City of Bunbury.

While away, she embarked on a varied working career which included secretarial roles at mining firms and administration positions at resorts around Australia and New Zealand.

Lorraine opted to return to Bunbury in 1998 to look after her father, prior to her mother Doreen’s death.

Upon returning, she worked as a relief in client services at various South West police stations, at the Red Cross and then in medical records at Bunbury Regional Hospital for eight years.

When Lorraine retired three years ago, King Cottage again become a major part of her life.

She took on the role of secretary at the Bunbury Historical Society, the group which is the cottage’s primary caretaker.

“I was involved with the Bunbury Historical Society a little bit while working, but took on the secretary role when I retired,” she said.

“The current president, Jennifer Lee, started on the same day as me so that was a learning curve for the both of us.

“I enjoy working here. There is a lot pressure but we do get to meet a lot of lovely people.”

As secretary, Lorraine helps manage guides, school groups, cottage organisation and events.

And, if that is not enough to keep Lorraine busy, she also manages Lamorna Bed and Breakfast from her home in Bunbury – with Lamorna being the original name of King Cottage.

Lorraine invited any new society members to help with collection and historical records, and also welcomed retirees or anyone interested in history and artefacts to join the historical society at the cottage each Tuesday.