Delce Poole Oral History

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Overview
Delce Poole, born in 1928 in Bundaberg, recounts her life connected to Noosa through her marriage into the Gilchrest family, owners of Laguna House—one of Noosa’s early and well known guesthouses. Raised in a longstanding Queensland family, Poole first visited Noosa as a teenager in the 1940s after her mother carefully vetted the guesthouse. There she met her future husband, Ken Gilchrest, whose family operated Laguna House, attracting generations of Brisbane holidaymakers.

Poole describes Laguna House as a lively, family oriented establishment centred on simple pleasures: communal meals, beach activities, talent nights, bowls, billiards, and music supplied by a Gympie band in exchange for accommodation. The guesthouse relied on seasonal staff—young local girls who lived onsite—and regular returning families such as the Gardams and Moynihans, who formed lasting friendships. Life was informal, with shared facilities, limited amenities, and a community spirit characteristic of early Noosa.

After Ken’s death, Poole continued managing the guesthouse and later remarried Stuart Poole, who helped redevelop the property by filling swamp areas and constructing what became part of the Laguna Arcade precinct. Eventually the original building was dismantled and reused by a church group at Alexandra Headlands. Reflecting on modern Noosa, Poole expresses sadness at the loss of its former simplicity, friendliness, and sense of heart.

Photograph

Delce Poole

Laguna House, Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, ca 1950s

Oral History Transcript

Delce Poole Oral History - Transcript

Audio

Delce Poole Oral History - Audio

Video

Delce Poole Oral History - Video

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)Guesthouses

CONNECTIONS

LocalityNoosa HeadsPlaceHastings StreetPersonDelce PooleMotels & Guest HouseLaguna House

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Delce Poole Oral History