"The Old General"
Painting by John Williamson
on the wall of a building in Mullewa
Western Australia

This painting is dedicated to Mrs Mary Toomey 
who operated the Mullewa Hostel from the early
1920s until her death in 1957.

The grand old lady seen chatting to locals 
whilst "Snifter" the white cockatoo looks 
on was affectionately called 
"The Old General" and was legendary for 
the friendship she gave to railway
men and for her generosity to those less 
fortunates who were down on their luck and 
in need of a meal.

This is the part of town depicted in the mural.
There is a supermarket now with the red front
where the hostel used to stand.