Walter Lindrum, said to be ‘the greatest billiards player who ever lived’, was born in 1898. To this day he still holds many world billiards records. Born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, to a family of players, Walter unsuccessfully challenged his older brother twice for the Australian Championship in 1915 and 1916, with their father having won it at age 20. Despite beating his older brother publicly in 1921, Walter never challenged his brother again. He finally won the title in 1933 after winning the world championship in the same year.
Lindrum’s grave, which he shares with his wife Beryl, is a brilliant depiction of his life and achievements. The unique design of a billiards table, accompanied with brass cue and balls, captures the attention of many visitors.
Continue along Entrance Avenue for a few meters until you reach the grave for Maria Vergona.
Very little is known about Maria Vergona, despite her remarkable monument. The grand design, with stairs to a covered space, is reminiscent of the European cemeteries such as Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. While assumptions could be made about Vergona, her family and status, due to the design and intricacies of the monument, the true intention may never be known. Take the time to consider the different elements of the design and what they might represent, and appreciate the beauty of this memorial as a testament to love and loss.
When you’re ready to continue, follow Entrance Avenue returning to the Gatehouse for the last stop.
