We reported last year how the students at Halls Gap Primary School were seeking to have Mackey’s Peak renamed. Completely renaming it was not possible, but last week a new sign explaining the history of the name was unveiled at the foot of the steps to the Pinnacle. Here is an excerpt from the school newsletter:
bq. Students, parents, friends and community members gathered to celebrate the historical naming of Mackey’s Peak with the name well known to the community – ‘Cherub Peak’. Cherub Peak was named following the death of Agnes Folkes, the three month old daughter of John and Phoebe. Agnes became ill and it was not possible to take her to a doctor as all tracks were flooded. She was buried close to the family home at the base of a mountain. The locals began to refer to the mountain as Cherub Peak. It was later officially named Mackey’s Peak, after a surveyor who worked in the area. Even though the ceremony had to be held inside due to rain, all those who came along and squashed into the junior room enjoyed the day. It was great to see our past students and Ms Miller return to celebrate. All students – from those who began the project and to those who completed the project are to be congratulated.
It was good to hear the students sing a song that had only recently been unearthed by the Halls Gap and Grampians History Association which was apparently composed quite a few years ago by the owner of the general store.
bq. Hearts have been crushed and broken,
Life has seen many a change,
Since we laid her to rest in the mountains,
At the foot of the Grampian range. ==
==
And all who pass by her grave site,
Are moved by what they see there,
A posy of wildflowers are surely a sign
That our children continue to care.