By MELISSA MEEHAN
WHAT’S in a name?
It could forge the way of the future and remember the past.
The newly covered laneway in Emerald, next to the bakery and clothing store, is complete and all that’s left is to name the laneway.
Earlier this year, the Mail spoke to Peter Segman, who was the spokesperson for those who funded the roof over the laneway.
At the time, Mr Segman told the Mail there had been a few names put forward, but he favoured the name of Stapleton Lane, after early Emerald blacksmith Charles Stapleton.
But Kevin Teasdale, who was born in Emerald, and has spent many of his adult years in town, says that there is a risk of forgetting other important members of the past by naming the laneway after just one man.
“My parents Joseph and Nell Teasdale, together with my uncle Edward Teasdale owned and operated multiple businesses on the property on the south side of Kilvington Drive between the main road and the walkway, throughout the 1940s,” Mr Teasdale said.
“My mother and father opened, owned and operated the mixed business and uncle Edward conducted his saddlery/boot repair business in our backyard.
“Charles Stapleton’s business was confined to one site and one business – blacksmithing.”
Mr Teasdale was quick to say that he related closely to Mr Stapleton when he was growing up and spent a lot of time observing his work.
“I think to name it after one man, means that others during that time could be forgotten,” he said.
“There were two sides to the walk.
“And that’s why I propose the name Forge Lane or Forge Walk.”
Calls made to Mr Segman were not returned.
What do you think the laneway should be named? Email editorial@yvnews.com.au
