Snapshot in Time: Named after a tomato producer, Allendale Primary School has grown from strength to strength

Did you know Allendale Primary School was named after a local tomato producer? It so happens that the land on which the school sits was a generous donation from tomato producer George Keyworth Allen (1903-1977) — hence the name Allendale. Established in 1952, Allendale is today a kindergarten to Year 6 primary school with a strong ethos revolving around the values of respect, courtesy, honesty and responsibility. Allendale Primary School’s motto is Strive to Succeed. Back in the 1970s, classes of children would walk to the swimming pool on summer days for a swim. They would also walk to the old Rollerdrome to roller-skate. For many years, there was an old phone box on the highway crossing where crossing guard Mr Martin would make sure children crossed safely. There were excursions to Lucky Bay where children would camp in tents and explore the sand dunes. In those days, the school also had its own dental clinic with two staff. Famous and accomplished footballer, the late Chris Mainwaring, was a former alumnus. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au