VIOLIN - KLOTZ

This violin was used by Mabel Ruth Bettenay (nee Parker), from when she arrived in Roleystone aged 16 in 1911 through to the 1970s. Miss Mabel Parker was a very talented violin player from Roleystone who was often invited to play at social occasions in the area. On Saturday 23 April 1916 she was part of the musical entertainment at a farewell party for local men Arthur and Wilfred Bettenay and Samuel Verrier. Around 80 local residents attended the party, held in the packing rooms at Illawarra Orchard. The three men also provided part of the evenings entertainment when they provided a demonstration of first aid and using a stretcher. Three days later the three of them enlisted to join the AIF. In 1920 Mabel married Arthur Bettenay and they lived at the family orchard 'Irymple' in Karragullen. They had five children, Wilfred (1920), Vernon (1922), Roy (1924), Edna (1926) and Eric (1927).
In 1951 Mabel and Arthur went on a holiday to Great Britain, leaving the running of the orchard to their children. Arthur passed away in 1978, aged 83, Mabel passed away in 1977 aged 81.