There are some amazing stories of service throughout The Cottage Homes’ history.
Many detail the people who have selflessly given their time, skills, resources and commitment to providing homes for those in need, including some of Adelaide’s well-known families.
One of the most notable is the Marryat family, whose 74-year service was vital to the establishment and early growth of The Cottage Homes.
Charles Marryat (1827-1906), the son of a West Indian merchant and Caroline Short whose brother was the first Anglican bishop of Adelaide, married Grace Montgomery in 1854 and together they had 6 daughters and 3 sons.
As a man of vision, archdeacon and rector of Christ Church North Adelaide, Charles coordinated and chaired the first ever committee meeting in 1871 which led to the establishment of The Cottage Homes in 1872.
Charles served on the Committee for 35 years until his death in 1906. His son Charles became honorary Architect after the resignation of Mr Garlick, the first Cottage Homes architect.
The Marryat women were also strongly connected to The Cottage Homes for 74 years. Grace served on the Committee for 38 years and their three daughters, Isabel, Katie and Mabel also served on the Committee.
Mabel (pictured above) was one of the first women to be admitted to a degree course at the University of Adelaide and one of the first Red Cross workers in SA. During World War I she was appointed Honorary Supervisor of the Red Cross Depot at the Keswick Military Hospital (superseded by the Repat in 1946) where she remained for 30 years. She was also awarded an OBE on the King’s birthday in 1947.
Following the war, Mabel was appointed to the Executive of the SA Branch of the Red Cross Society, a position she held until her retirement when she was 83 years old.
Mabel resigned from the Cottage Homes Committee 80 years ago in 1945, closing her family’s incredible 74-year chapter of service and dedication to our organisation. There is no doubt Mabel’s life of public service was inspired by her selfless family.