Thistle Anderson

Thistle Anderson (Mrs Herbert Fisher) was a lady of character, style and note. She rates detailed mention in E. Morris Miller's bibliography Australian Literature, and nearly two pages in Paul Depasquale's admirable Critical Study of South Australian Literature. Leonard Henslowe's 'A Chat with Thistle Anderson' published in Henslowe's Annual for 1903 reveals her as a beautiful and well-educated Scotswoman, of Kiplingesque imperial beliefs, much travelled, who confessed to two years on the stage and a love for adventure and vigorous outdoor life. In December 1901, in London, she married Herbert Fisher, a 35-year-old Adelaide stockbroker. In the Critic through 1902 and 1903 the gossip columnist 'Lady Kitty' kept South Australia informed of the Fishers' conspicuous lifestyle in the Old Country. They lived in London for a while, and Thistle was presented at Court.

The Fishers returned to Adelaide in 1903. They stayed at the South Australian Hotel for a month, visited Melbourne, then rented 'Stramshall' in North Adelaide. While Herbert was sharebroking, Thistle moved through Adelaide society. In April 1905 Arcadian Adelaide appeared.