CANDLEHOLDER - ENAMELED WHITE

This candle holder, used by the Skeet family in Forrestdale during the early 1900s, serves as a reminder of a time before the arrival of electricity in the area. The Skeet family, original European settlers of East Jandakot (now Forrestdale), relied on this humble object for lighting before the power grid reached the region in 1953. It would have remained essential during power outages, highlighting the resilience of early settlers and their reliance on simpler means for daily life.
The Skeet family were pivotal in the development of the Forrestdale community, with Alfred Tunbridge Skeet and his wife, Lillian (née Dumsday), at the forefront. Alfred served as the local Justice of the Peace and postmaster, advocating for the establishment of a community hall, a school, and various local services. Lillian, an accomplished musician, played an integral role in the community's cultural life, even successfully campaigning for the renaming of East Jandakot to Forrestdale in 1915. The candle holder thus symbolizes the family’s deep connection to the region, representing not only their daily life but their dedication to building a thriving community.
The Skeets were also involved in the founding of local institutions, with the original Forrestdale Post Office operating from their property for many years. Their farm, located along the western and northern edges of Forrestdale Lake, is part of the broader agricultural history that shaped the area. This candle holder, therefore, stands as a significant artifact, reflecting both the everyday life of early settlers and their lasting impact on the development of the Forrestdale community.