The Reynoldson Family

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'Snap dragons, anemones, ranunculaceous, a lawn bordered by roses and sweet peas clamouring up a six-foot-high trellis along the veranda.' This is May Thomas (née Reynoldson) remembering the garden surrounding Gunnerside, the home in which she was born in 1922. Originally nothing more than a hut, complete with a bark roof and meshed twine, the initial Reynoldson family home was built by May's grandfather Leonard Reynoldson and his brother George when they first settled in Strathmerton. The spartan cabin served its purpose, withstanding the blistering summers and harsh winters common to the region. Then Leonard met Florence (née Lizard) when she was visiting his cousins (Caygills) in Strathmerton. They married, settled in the hut, and set about clearing the land. It is reported that Florence did her fair share of the tough outdoor clearing work; a hard-working woman, Florence toiled alongside the men, preparing the land for farming.

Sometime later, a more substantial dwelling was built on the property and named Gunnerside, after the Reynoldson's hometown in Yorkshire, England. Gunnerside is still in use today, a testament to the building skills of the brothers.  

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