T op from left - Katie Gillet, Amanda Besgrove, Annie Holm, Emily Shrank, Mary Beetham and Rose Gunn. 

Bottom from left - Fredrick (Fred), Henirick (Harry), August and Ernest (Ernie) Giesemann. 

These four brothers built the Hotel. 

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This story is based on the life of Catherine Maria Giesemann a pioneer of the early days who figured prominently win the history of Laidley. 

Written by her Granddaughter, Heather Jean Foley. 

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To be young, married, looking forward to a wonderful life and future together, no thoughts of hardship or heartache. Was that what August and Catherine Maria Giesemann two young German migrants, sponsored by the Government thought as they landed in Australia, many years ago, in the pioneer days? Yes of course it was, they were an ordinary couple looking for adventure determined to make a life for themselves, courageous, enthusiastic, prepared to accept any challenge. Queensland was their destination, a grant of scrubland; their life had begun. 

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The trial snd tribulations of the years to follow proved to be the biggest challenge of all times. Back breaking years clearing land, growing small quantities of crops on poor soil with a hoe, hauling them long distances for pittances, facing droughts, destruction from wallabies, as well as rearing a family. Catherine walked miles each day to wash, scrub and iron for a treacle billy of milk for her children. One day she received sour milk as a payment for her services and returned it saying "One day I will be rich and you will be poor" She left never to return. Was that wishful thinking? How could prophecy like that ever come true? 

The horse, plough and buggy era was the turning point in their lives, With the family growing up they opted up a large area of land four miles from the Cobb & Co route and the nearest township. This was rich fertile land in the valley. A dream come true and the future looked bright. 

Their long hours of toil soon paid off, a home emerged, crop flourished, cattle thrived, dairying was profitable, so different to the futile years of yesterday. 

The stress and strain of hard work and poor living conditions took its toll on August and he did not live to enjoy the fruits of his labour. With the help of her four sons and seven daughters, life continued to prosper for Catherine. 

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The Railway was on its way, a tremendous achievement for the rich agricultural district.

There was great speculations as to where it would go. The Cobb & Co route perhaps? People clamoured for all the land in that area. 

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Catherine's foresight was her fortune. The railway went through the acres of level bushland she had bought two miles inland. A location also ideal for a larger town, which was very necessary fro the growing population. She built and controlled two Hotels, grocery and drapery stores, a sawmill, houses and more shops for rental. She opened up more and more farmland as the railway progressed further on to the location now known as Forest Hill. 

Success didn't alter Catherine or diminish her popularity. She reminded the same friendly good-natured person, known all over the district for her generosity. She helped so many " Lame dogs over the stile" and gave freely to new settlers, thus preventing the struggle and poverty she had once faced when. she landed on that poor scrub soil so long ago. 

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Catherine's labours were not in vain. On her deathbed her vast "Empire" was carved like a huge Christmas Turkey into eleven, very generous portions. 

Her Story is written in solid ink of timber, brick and mortar and the town of Laidley stands as memorial to this remarkable woman. Perhaps it would have been even more fitting if the following epitaph had been added to the tall tombstone in the Laidley cemetery, which bears her name.