A look to the past, to an influential staff member

Victor Eugene Cromer, was one of WEA’s founding members. Joining us in 1917 as acting Secretary (CEO) and later appointed as Position of Generals. The five short years Cromer spent at the WEA were integral to the development of the then, new organisation.

Cromer is remembered for his strong opinions and beliefs, which often caused controversy. For example, Cromer was very supportive of the introduction of ‘un-scientific’ courses at the WEA, a subject that was scandalous in the early 1900’s. Cromer stood by his beliefs on the matter and this has been said to be an integral component to the successful progression of the WEA.

Described as a ‘Christian Mystic’, he believed that WWII was caused by the astronomic movements of the planets that ultimately affected ‘Kiser’. His strong conviction took him to attend the Second International Communist Conferences where he announced that the ‘World Revolution’ would begin in Adelaide.

His work with the WEA is regarded as extremely progressive. Cromer spent five years in influential roles until retired from the WEA and continued on to Sydney where he became a ‘Spiritual Healer’. His time in Sydney also saw the collaboration with Walter Burley Griffin, the landscape architect and designer of Canberra.

He married his wife in Paris and had three children when working at the WEA, and his son was a shop keeper in the Barossa.

Victor Eugene Cromer has been described as a tremendously dedicated individual, a socialist and a memorable person.