Esther Batstone

Esther Batstone was born Jane Wilhelmina Esther Arnold (1888–1992) at Walla Walla to Johann Gottlieb (J.G.) (1854–1929) and Johanne Elisabeth (1856–1923). The seventh of twelve children, she moved to Albury with her parents in 1892.

In the same year, J.G. began cultivating a vegetable garden and selling produce from a barrow. This small step became the foundation for his new family business which would go on to great success – operating from a series of locations around Albury-Wodonga and continuing to this day (now operating as Arnold’s Fruit Market). Esther along with her sisters worked in the family shop, Olive Street Market, after leaving school and prior to her marriage to Albert John Batstone (1885–1965).

This photograph of Esther was taken on the banks of the Murray River at Howlong, on Bpangerang and Wiradjuri country. The ring on her left hand suggests that this photo was taken sometime after her marriage in 1911. The Arnold family were regular visitors to the river which would have been a welcome break from their busy lives.

Twelve children to care for, a thriving business, and gardens to tend would have left little time for relaxation. However, one river excursion nearly turned fatal. The picnic was held at a favourite swimming spot, ‘Brighton Beach’ which boasted a sandy beach. Even though they could not swim, Esther and William wandered into the water. Willie encountered difficulties after walking too far out and encountered a deep hole in the centre of the stream. If not for Esther’s quick thinking and the help of her brother Jack, Willie would have drowned.

Esther’s life was dedicated to her community. Her list of accomplishments and engagements is so long that you wonder when she found time to sleep. Upon her 100th birthday in 1988, Esther was presented with a commemorative folder by the Australian Bicentennial Committee along with receiving telegrams and letters of congratulation from Queen Elizabeth II, a range of political figures, and her many friends and family. Esther certainly earned these words of congratulation.