Dr John Markwell - a doctor of character and distinction

In a recent post on the Interpreting Ingham facebook page I posted a photograph of the former J.L. Kelly Memorial Public Library, now Ingham Picture Theatre and I was reminded by a reader that Dr. John Markwell leased a small room in the library building for his practice. He was one of several doctors of character and distinction that served in the district around the same time. Others of note were Doctors Giudice and Malone. During their lifetimes these doctors were community minded men and served on many committees and as members of service clubs.

Dr John Markwell is recalled very fondly for his willingness to go beyond the call of duty to attend his patients. He was a familiar sight with his little knitted wool cap on his head strenuously huffing and puffing on his bicycle popping in on a patient recuperating at home just to check that they were progressing well. His wife, Pam, was the radiographer as the Ingham General Hospital for many years while also serving as a councillor on the local Council. They purchased the famous Japanese House, which has been lovingly preserved by Dr. Markwell's son. It continues to be a significant built feature in the landscape of the Ingham township. For those interested to know more about the house The Japanese House Australia has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Japanese-House-Australia-295522460617282/

Soon after the Herbert River Museum/ Gallery opened it published a little volume: As We were Volume 1 Doorways to the Past. It was a collection of memories shared by long-time residents of the Herbert River Valley. Amongst those was Dr. John Markwell. It is a valuable little collection, because unfortunately many of those who were interviewed have since passed away.

Dr. John Marwell's story told in his own words is shown here as it appears in  As We were Volume 1 Doorways to the Past.

The building in which Dr. John Markwell first practised: the J.L. Kelly Memorial Public Library. Source: Hinchinbrook Shire Council Library Collection.

I do not know whether copies of the volume are still able to be purchased but the Herbert River Museum Gallery has a facebook page and enquiries could be made there: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Herbert-River-Museum-Gallery/1072682732775133

Those interviewed were JOAN ALLINGHAM; MELBA BACKO; MARGARET BOARD; HONORIA COPLEY; ALEXANDER FRASER; WILLIAM HANSEN; ALAN HOBBS; GLEN HOBBS; JOHN MARKWELL; LINNEA ISOKANGAS; ALDO MORETTO; GINO PARIS; JOHN BARTLEY PEARSON; JOSEPHINE SARTORESI; MARY (MOLLY) SHANAHAN; LOUIE VALLE; JAMES WATT