History of the Corn Dolly

Corn Dolly 1

The Koorda Shire adopted the Corn Dolly The Simple Countryman's Favour as the Shire Emblem in 1974 at the suggestion of Councillor Colin Cooke.

The art of Corn Dolly making was first brought to Koorda by Mr Frank Lodge in 1911, from his home county of Durham in England.

Corn Dolly making is an ancient craft going back thousands of years, when it was thought that a spirit lived in the cornfields. To preserve this spirit at harvest time, and ensure the success of next year's harvest, a corn dolly was made for it to rest in.

Nowadays, the Corn Dolly is a decorative symbol of peace and prosperity in the home throughout the year.