The Soldiers Memorial Avenue was established from approx. 1919 – 1921, to commemorate the service and sacrifice of local men who enlisted during WW1.
Local and General
Beautifying Stanley
The dual purpose of improving the town and honoring our soldiers will be served by the accomplishment of a scheme embodied in the following resolution, proposed at the last Council meeting by Cr. Spicer : ” That that portion of Marine Esplanade from vicinity of Cripps St. and East Bay road near the show ground, between metalled road and boundary of railway station, be enclosed, and Stanley ward crs. be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding £30 in fencing and providing necessary gates, forming and gravelling footpaths, etc., in view of planting trees in honor of our fallen soldiers, and establishing a pleasure resort.” Cr. Spicer said between the road and the railway fence there was nothing but drift-sand, which would he covered and planted with grass. The plots would be made cattle proof, and an avenue of trees planted in memory of those brave hoys who had given their lives for their country’s honor. It would be an ornament to that part of the town. The railway engineer had promised to assist the scheme in every way possible. Cr J. Grubb seconded the proposition. Cr Wilkins, in supporting, said the town councillors had inspected the site, and thought there was a great opportunity of making it a beauty spot as well as a lasting memorial of our soldiers. The Warden said the proposal commended itself to him as a sensible, well – thought-out scheme. The motion was then put and carried.
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. : 1906 – 1954), Wednesday 19 June 1918, page 2
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Images courtesy of the Stanley Discovery Museum.
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Whilst the memorial trees are long gone, historical images of the mature trees suggest they were Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), also planted elsewhere within the township and near the foreshore.
