HERITAGE NEWSLETTER OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. MARCH - APRIL 2011 ISSUE No. 14 A tower all that remains of San Jose Standing like the remnants of a medieval European watchtower from which a feudal lord could check his domain or watch for the menace of a Saracan attack, the tower on land off San Jose Avenue, Lawson conjures up many ideas as to what the original owner might have been thinking when it was constructed. HERITAGE is grateful to John Merriman, Local Studies Librarian, Blue Mountains City Library for the following article.

The original building with its three floor levels and tower was constructed in 1879 and named “San Jose”, by Joseph (Jose) Guillermo Hay, an official in the Lands Department, who had received a grant of 300 acres at Lawson the previous year.

In the 1880s Hay took advantage of the Blue Mountains’ new and growing reputation as a health and recreation retreat, and by 1882 the name “San Jose” had the words “The Blue Mountains Sanatorium” added to it and described in a local guidebook as “the best for private OAM FOR MARY REYNOLDS On Day 2011 Mary San Jose tower which when attached to a three storey building became Reynolds was awarded the Stratford Girls School. Photograph by John Leary, OAM. February 2010 Medal of the Order of Australia. families” and “with grounds laid out The original Stratford School was Mary is a well-known and highly with romantic paths in all founded in Lawson in 1915 by Miss respected researcher and writer directions”. Edith Townsend Wiles who began of the history of her own classes with six pupils in a rented In 1889 Hay applied for a publican’s communities of Mt Wilson and cottage named Tahlia, on the licence for the property then known Mt Irvine, and also maintains a Bathurst Road as the highway was as “Hay’s Family Hotel”, described keen interest in the heritage of then known. as having fourteen rooms for public the wider Blue Mountains region. use. By 1919 the old cottage was When she and her husband Ellis “bursting at the seams” and a move During the 1890s the property was came to live in Mt Wilson in became imperative. The school acquired by John Ralston who ran it 1986, Mary soon became made the move across the highway as a guesthouse known as “The involved as a volunteer with the and railway line taking the name Palace” for the next two decades Woodford Academy and also “Stratford School for Girls” with it. until, in 1919, it eventually took the with Norman Lindsay Gallery. name and function for which it is Continued page 3 Continued page 9 best known.

HERITAGE 1 March - April 2011 Contents...... From the president’s pen...... HERITAGE March - April 2011 Humbug and delay in way of heritage *P1 A tower all that remains of San Jose advisory committee For almost 5 years BMACHO has been Eventually a report must come to attempting to have Blue Mountains City council for decision, but it will be a Council reestablish a heritage advisory disgrace if as seems likely, this is a committee, something many would watered down version. Other councils think would be a simple task. can find both the necessary resources to service and also see such a The humbug and delay at best could committee as a useful adjunct to its be described as a frustration, while the professional services. A committee with *P1 OAM for Mary more conspiracy minded might think no real tasks, meeting as infrequently Reynolds council and its staff have something to as four times a year, will not encourage *P2 Humbug and delay hide; of which there is no obvious those in the community to share the in way of heritage evidence. wealth of knowledge that exists and advisory committee could be available to Blue Mountains *P4 Glenbrook walks Many local government units in NSW City Council. and talks and in fact around Australia have *P5 “Is heritage established this type of committee BMACHO’s proposal is not for the relevant to today’s which draws upon the expertise of both creation of some watchdog that keeps community?” academics/professionals and that of an eye on council and its staff. It is *P5 Seahorse fountain volunteers in historical societies and simply to see the utIlisation of the great spouting heritage groups in the community. wealth of knowledge of heritage matters *P6 More talks with which abounds in the community. BMCC on heritage The purpose of such a committee is to Already some in the heritage sector advisory committee advise council on all matters pertaining have walked away from the proposal *P7 Forests, Timber to the heritage of this city and to because of the delays and frustration and Milling in Mt Irvine promote awareness and understanding and if there is not some real progress in *P10 Trust award for of the heritage of the region. the future others are likely to do the Norman Lindsay same. Let’s not squander yet another stalwart A fairly simple but potentially a very opportunity. *P10 Lincoln Hall to valuable committee to a council; speak at Norman particularly one such as the Blue Lindsay Mountains City Council with something Thanks for the *P10 Walk through like 1100 heritage sites in addition to experience Darks Common having within its municipal boundaries As some will know, I will after 5 years at *P10 Cox’s Road walk the UNESCO listed Blue Mountains the helm, step down from the *P11 Lithgow Family World Heritage Area. presidency of BMACHO later this History to celebrate month, due to ill health. I take this silver anniversay It is prudent for council staff to examine opportunity to thank so many who have *P11 ’s early committee models operating in other worked with me to achieve the links with horse racing local government areas and there is objectives of this organisation.There *P14 Boat people, 1788 some reason to believe that local staff have been some real achievements and - 1922 might have higher priorities, but surely a few frustrations, but what we have *P15 Glenbrook’s a responsible council must give done to promote heritage and to bring horse trough - a new heritage some status in the community together like minded bodies to share role in retirement fabric. ideas has been most worthwhile. *P17 Royal award for Les and Anne And indeed there are many areas in I thank everyone for the courtesies they *P17 Indexes = council’s administration where it have extended to Nanette and I over Information obviously places a high regard on the these past years – it really has been a heritage and history of the people it wonderful and rewarding experience serves. Further evidence can be found working for our heritage. The new in the actions of former deputy mayor friendships I have gained in this period Janet Mays supported by Greens will be cherished. Thank you one and councillors when they successfully all. moved that the possibility of re- establishing a heritage advisory John Leary, OAM *P18 Colonial committee be investigated back in President, Blue Mountains vineyard’s history June last year. Association of Cultural Heritage salvaged Organisations Inc.

HERITAGE 2 March - April 2011 Sanatorium became Stratford Girls School Continued from page 1 In 1924 Miss Wiles and her sister, who was also a member of staff, purchased the building from the Ralston estate and were then able to make additions and alterations to accommodate the school.

When Miss Wiles died in 1930, the enrolment was 49 girls of which 31 were boarders, five girls sat for the intermediate certificate exam and two girls sat the leaving certificate.

Control then passed to the Stratford School Council and subsequently, in 1936, to the Church of England, Stratford ruins after the fire, photographed by Neil Billington(1983) for and the school entered its heyday Blue Mountains City Library. as “Stratford Church of England School for Girls”. There were three school terms, During the winter, swimming each 13 weeks long, though the lessons were abandoned and wood “The development of capable girls were allowed one weekend fires were lit in the assembly hall Christian gentlewomen in an mid-term to visit relations or friends. and classrooms. exceptionally healthy, bracing and Travel to and from for invigorating climate” - that was the vacations and mid-term holidays, Stratford girls, unlike their promise of Stratford School, to was always supervised by a counterparts at Osborne College, prospective students and parents in mistress from the school. Blackheath, were also afforded the the 1940s-50s. privilege of a hot water service. During term, visitors were allowed, According to a 1950s school by arrangement with the The prospectus makes no mention prospectus, boarders at Stratford headmistress, but no student could of students’ academic records, but enjoyed an atmosphere of accept invitations without written in the early 1950s, following a individuality and co-operation. permission from her parents. Non- report by the Department of Pupils were “fitted for practical vacation weekends were devoted to Education; the school was reduced business”, whilst encouraged to healthy activities and visits to to intermediate certificate level. regard life from the stand-point of places of interest in the district. high ideals and to further their The 1957 fees brochure shows that studies at university. As with most Blue Mountains the leaving certificate had been boarding schools of the era, great reinstated and announced the Stratford’s curriculum, extending emphasis was placed on fresh air, launch of a building fund to raise from primary to leaving certificate, healthy diet and wholesome £5,000 for the erection of new and included scripture, English, history, activities. The dining room menu modern classrooms and to “gain geography, French, Latin, boasted copious quantities of fresh help for Stratford to develop along mathematics, physiology, biology, fruits and vegetables, home-made modern lines.” business principles, book-keeping, jams and preserves and plenty of art, handicrafts and speech training. milk. Prospectus photographs Two coaches from the Lawn Tennis Music and singing also featured as showed bright, healthy young Association had joined the staff to an important part of school life and ladies, poised with grace and provide coaching to pupils for which students could choose to sit for decorum in the dining room, clearly a fee of £2.10.0 per term was Australian Music Examinations enjoying their healthy, wholesome charged. Board grade exams. meal. It appears however that all this was The girls wore an attractive grey Recreation was also high on the list unsuccessful, so with the buildings uniform, but jewelry was strictly at Stratford with tennis, netball, and furniture run down, changing forbidden, with the gracious vigaro and swimming at the nearby trends in education and competition exception of the school badge and Lawson Pool offered to all pupils. from public schools and other a wrist watch. private schools such as Blue The girls were accommodated in Mountains Grammar at Wentworth Money was also controlled, with all bedrooms for two and four boarders Falls - Stratford finally closed in funds going to a pocket money and there is also mention of a fine 1961. account. Statements on expenditure glassed-in balcony with an eastern for outings, church collections and aspect which appears to have Continued page 4 incidentals were issued to parents. housed a few beds as well.

HERITAGE 3 March - April 2011 Fire guts 1879 Lawson building Continued from page 3 Yedoensis flowering cherry tree References In 1966, the building was sold to a which he planted at the school as a Stratford School Headmistresses’, Sydney couple, who refurbished the token of respect for the high quality notes by Kathleen Hooke, 2000. interior to house wedding of education his three daughters, receptions, dinners and private Jean, Una and Beth had received. Stratford Prospectus, Anglican parties. Diocese of Sydney, c.1950. The tree thrived for many years but The establishment lasted until the due to its age and poor health could Stratford Girls School – Local late 1970s, when in 1977, the Blue not be moved to make way for Studies clippings file, Blue Mountains Community School traffic. Mountains City Library. moved in with 18 students, a new teacher and government grants for However over 100 young trees were Note, July 2010: Kathleen Hooke a library and mini-bus. successfully propagated from (nee Barwick) died in October 2009 cuttings which are to be having published her memoirs of By 1980, the building was owned by incorporated into landscape plans Stratford as: brothers Lionel and Vivian Coleman for the new highway and town Hooke K.H. (2008) Blue Mountains of Sydney, but there would be no centre. Heritage and Nostalgia including more tenants for Stratford. Stratford Church of England School In 2002 a farewell ceremony for the for Girls, Lawson and Memoirs. Self On June 4, 1980, as the result of an old cherry tree was organised by a published, Kathleen H Hooke, 2008, electrical fault, the building was former Stratford student from the Printed by Cliff Lewis Printing, gutted by fire. 1940s, Mrs Kathleen Hooke nee Sydney. 585pp. Thanks to Brian Fox Barwick, and attended by the for this reference. Today, the only reminder of Japanese Consul General, the Stratford’s former glory is a large Mayor and the Member for Blue John Merriman, Local Studies stenciled sign on the building’s Mountains, local councillors and the Librarian tower, the rest has gone. grandchildren of Mr Kitamura. © Blue Mountains City Library 2009

The remains of the building, except for the tower section, were About the author demolished by a developer in the John Merriman is a professional early 1990s. librarian who manages the Local Studies Service and its research No further move has been made, at collection at Blue Mountains City the time of writing, to develop the Library. site, which is listed on the local heritage register. His role involves acquiring, preserving and making accessible Stratford at Tahlia and the documentary evidence relevant to Japanese Cherry Tree the Blue Mountains region. In 1915 the first home of the school This includes the historical, natural was the rented cottage Narbethong and built environments as well as on Bathurst Road, then until 1919 at the social, economic, political and a house named Krawaree, later cultural aspects of the community. known as Tahlia House, situated near the Lawson Community Hall. John’s special area of interest is Blue Mountains pre-history and archaeology, in which he holds a degree from the University of New In 2008 Tahlia was threatened by England. road widening plans for Lawson and was re-sited back from the highway He also manages the library’s online image collection of several thousand alignment by the RTA. While the photographs and writes a Local Studies blog on which this article is school occupied Tahlia, in 1916, based. Woodford resident Toranosuki Kitamura, manager of Kinematsu (Australia) Ltd, imported a Glenbrook Walks and Talks March 26 – The Mountains Murders – Lee Weller’s grave.

April 23 – Lennox Bridge, Mitchell’s Pass and rock falls.

May 28 – The Duck Hole, Glenbrook Creek.

Further information Doug 4751 3275 or Tim 4739 2384.

HERITAGE 4 March - April 2011 “Is heritage still relevant to today’s community?” “Is heritage relevant to today’s Maritime Museum in Greenwich, community?” is the title of an UK. She has also served on the address to be delivered by Maisy board of the National Trust of Stapleton at BMACHO’s annual Australia (NSW). general meeting this month. Maisy has a first class honours The meeting to be held on Saturday, degree in Architecture and a Master March 19, 2011 will commence at of Business with a focus on 2.30pm. marketing and maintains her interest in architectural heritage. The guest speaker Ms Stapleton, who is the deputy director, National Trust of Australia (NSW) will also Seahorse speak on the grants and assistance program of the Museums and Galleries organisation and also fountain mention the annual regional inspection and advisory program. spouting The National Trust-owned property Norman Lindsay Sea Horse Everglades, at Leura, one of Her first job in the sector was Fountain is once again spouting Australia’s foremost cold climate curator of Elizabeth Bay House. water and delighting visitors. gardens and arboreat will be the Previous roles have included venue for BMACHO’s 6th annual heading Regional Arts NSW, The centrepiece of the garden at general meeting. tourism, business and community the National Trust Norman relations development with the City Lindsay Gallery needed Maisy Stapleton has over 30 years of Sydney. extensive work to repair damage experience working in cultural from tree roots. organisations. She has undertaken project management roles at the State An appeal raised the money for Library of NSW, within a corporate the work which also involved exhibitions and museum waterproofing the pond, development organisation and at re-plumbing and the installation the Australian Bicentennial of a root barrier to prevent future Authority. damage.

In 1988 she was the Commissioner The fountain was built by of a pavilion at Expo 88 which Lindsay in the mid-1940s when featured the Captain James Cook he found the town water would Those attending the meeting may collection from the National finally reach the property. inspect the Everglades Gardens He constructed the original statuary of mermaids, fish and a plunging ‘sea-horse’ from cement. Lindsay was so enthusiastic about his work that the fountain had water before the house was connected to the supply.

During the 1988 bicentennial celebrations the cement statuary was removed and replaced with the bronze casting seen today. Lindsay’s original is preserved in the gallery.

Since the property opened in 1973 the fountain has become an ‘unofficial’ symbol. Blue Mountains Gazette Everglades Historic House

HERITAGE 5 March - April 2011 More talks with BM Council on heritage advisory committee

BMACHO last month had further impression that the amended 7 Members of the public responded. It talks with staff of Blue Mountains objectives would form the basis of is understood that the relevant City Council (BMCC) continuing the forthcoming report to council. council officer of the day (Elton negotiations initiated almost 5 years Menday) invited the heritage ago by BMACHO to see However, BMACHO ‘s delegation consultant to comment on these reestablished a heritage advisory told staff at the recent meeting that responses as this was part of his committee of council. BMACHO was concerned that brief. despite staff asking for assistance In the latest round of talks council in reviewing the LEP 1991 it had It is further understood that these invited historical societies and failed to list as a role of the comments were considered, some heritage groups to consult with staff proposed committee, the BMACHO being welcomed others for which about a review of listed items under suggested objective — “to advise the consultant found powerful Local Environmental Plan 1991 and council in relation to reviews of local arguments against their the investigation of the heritage listings”. incorporation in the LEP being establishment of a heritage advisory rejected. committee. BMACHO is also concerned that staff appear opposed to another of It appears at least some of the BMACHO was represented at this BMACHO’s proposed roles – “to information provided has not been meeting by its president John Leary, advise council on heritage matters included in LEP 1991. OAM, vice president Associate relating to development Professor Ian Jack, secretary Jan applications” a function which is From these inferences, BMACHO Koperberg, Dr Peter Stanbury and included in the NSW Planning cannot find an arguable reason for Dick Morony Department Guidelines and also revisiting the process in a different seen as a committee role by form. BMACHO also considers that BMACHO has previously discussed numerous other councils through if there is to be any further review of with council staff and individual NSW. LEP 1991 it needs to take into councillors the objectives of its account the expertise of heritage proposal for a heritage advisory Other matters which are of concern professionals under proper committee and after what was to BMACHO are the proposed contractual arrangements. considered to be a long history of frequency of meetings (once every unsatisfactory progress, accepted 3 months); the restriction which BMACHO having been advised by the offer last June, of then deputy would preclude committee members council staff at last month’s meeting mayor Janet Mays and Greens other than councillors being elected of some reasons for the need of councillors to move in council for a as chair and deputy chair and the another review will discuss this report on the establishment of a omission of BMACHO’s suggested information at its March heritage advisory committee. role of advising council in relation to management committee meeting. long term planning of significant The staff response to this heritage cemeteries sites. Council’s staff in response to a successful motion by Cr Mays was question at the meeting from to bring back to council another ASSISTANCE FOR BMACHO president, John Leary report that a report would be REVIEW OF LEP 1991 said it seems likely that 2013 could presented to council by the end of BMACHO went into the meeting be an achievable date for Gazettal February 2011. The latest round of with the view that it was at a loss to of LEP 1991. talks is in response to this understand why there is any further undertaking by staff to the elected need for review of the LEP 1991 Interested in representatives of council. particularly in view of the fact that the community at large and looking after Having discussed the staff draft particularly most historical societies proposal which was released in believe the necessary process has money? January 2011, BMACHO‘s been carried out and any further management committee concluded review delays a plan first initiated Then we have the job for that subject to some minor changes some 20 years ago. you. and clarification it could accept the BMACHO is looking for a staff’s 7 objectives which in BMACHO before supporting BMCC treasurer. principle were not unlike those staff proposals needs to be satisfied which have been proposed by as to why it is necessary at this For more information or BMACHO for many years. stage to seek public involvement, nomination form contact when LEP 1991 has gone on public either John Leary 4758 8584 BMACHO’s representatives went exhibition from October 16 to away from last month’s meeting November 13, 2002. or Jan Koperberg 4754 3275 with council staff under the

HERITAGE 6 March - April 2011 Forests, timber and milling in Mt Irvine and (later Mt Wilson) in the Northern Blue Mountains or the Carmarthen Hills

by Mary Reynolds, OAM - Research Officer, Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society Inc.

This mountain and Mt Wilson along with Mt Tomah, Mt Banks and Mt Hay and others are especially distinguished as they are capped with a basalt rock producing a rich volcanic soil.

From this soil and the climatic conditions grew a rich and temperate rainforest covering these mountains along with magnificent Eucalypts.

European settlement came late to Mt Wilson c. 1875-6 and Mt Irvine c. 1897. These settlers were confronted with ‘an impenetrable bush’ or Brush as it was called.

The temperate rain forest on Mt 1 Wilson and Mt Irvine contained in its A glimpse of the forest in Mt Wilson c 1875 pristine state Doryphora sassasfras, Gothic cottage on Portions 36 and Charles Robert had recently Coachwood, Black wood or Acacia 37 he is said to have found some surveyed the mountain and the melanoxylon, Quintinia siberia or timber cut. ridge linking it with Mt Wilson. Possum wood , the Lilly Pilly and Deeply impressed by the richness many Tree ferns ranging from the The assumption was made that the of vegetation and soil C.R.Scrivener Todea barbara or king fern to the construction of the railway which had failed to persuade the NSW Dicksonia or soft tree fern had reached Mt Victoria in 1868 and Government to declare it a National and beneath them a forest floor of had now moved across the Darling Reserve.3 many others. Causeway to Bowenfels via the Zig Zag in 1869 railway builders and Hence his advice to his son, Above the rain forest on the heights workers had found their way to Mt Charles and his two friends, Harold of the mountains were the giant Wilson via the track created by Morley and Basil Knight Brown. Eucalypts. Wyndham to Mt Wilson. They were able after incredible There were differences between Mt It is said that Richard Wynne cut energy and privations to gain the Wilson and Mt Irvine where the notches in the cut timber to prevent land they wanted about 1,000 acres Turpentine and the Angophora grew its use as sleepers. Today those in July, 1897. while in Mt Wilson there were giant notched planks are visible in the Eucalyptus: The Eucalyptus small Gothic Cottage on Wynstay. Relying on the memories of Harold oreades or Blue Mountain ash: Morley written in 1950 we can Eucalypytus fastigata or brown For the birth of a timber industry Mt create an outline of how timber barrel, a stringy bark; Eucalyptus Irvine is of deeper interest. Timber played a role in their rugged, harsh cypellocarpa a mountain gum or milling in Mt Wilson did not early lives in this remote place.4 yellow gum and Eucalyptus commence until after World War 1. viminalis ribbon gum, manna gum Charles Robert Scrivener had or white gum to name a few. Mt Irvine’s European history took intended starting a saw mill and place in 1897, 20 years after the making a road to transport the In 1868 when ES Wyndham settlement of Mt Wilson, when three timber. surveyed Mt Wilson he wrote later young men from Hawkesbury that he found no sign of human Agricultural College on the advice of But promotion altered that as he influence or impact. Charles Robert Scrivener, NSW became a district surveyor and later metropolitan staff surveyor and chief of survey to the When Richard Wynne one of the father of one of the young men, Commonwealth surveying the site original purchasers of land during Charles Scrivener told them to lay that was to become Canberra. 1875 - 6 arrived to establish a small claim to this mountain. Continued page 8

HERITAGE 7 March - April 2011 Eucalypts rising 200ft in remote areas Continued from page 7 Amelia Anderson Already the removal of timber from tried desperately to the land was a mammoth task for save the mill but all three young men. her own cabin caught alight and “The first clearing we did was she and her grubbing out the trees. children were saved by Miss “This was entirely a terrific job, Bessie Knight involving cutting up and stacking Brown. huge piles of logs.”5 A new mill was Harold Morley had giant Eucalypts, constructed below Turpentines with Sassafras in ‘Taihoa’ on the between on his clearing.” creek [Russell Creek] while John Some of the trees were 200 feet, Anderson built requiring holes 24 feet across and 6 another cabin near feet deep to grub them while the the gate of ‘Taihoa’ roots were like big logs running out for the family. yards from the trunk. The mill operated it It is little wonder when the sawmill seems quite plan did not eventuate that Basil successfully until Knight Brown, the other young the second decade adventurer advertised the need for of the 20th century. a sawmill so that the land could be cleared for orcharding. In 1911 it appears that John Anderson Brothers of Coonamble Anderson turned took up the offer driving their outfit his attention to from The Pilliga to Mt Irvine in Bilpin for he 1904.7 purchased Portion Harold Morley on the right and CR Scrivener on the 23 there and built left at the base of a large Eucalypt c 1896.6 The first mill was established below a home known as ‘Woodleigh’9 when mill employees enlisted for Basil Knight Brown’s clearing known where he and Amelia were to live World War 1. It was probably not as ‘Painui’. for the next 30 years. quite as simple as that reason Nevertheless he maintained some suggests for John Anderson, It was described as a big place with interest in Mt Irvine returning there returned to Mt Irvine to work after a shingle roof”.8 11 from time to time. moving to Bilpin. The saw mill brought some helpful His daughter Bessie,wrote many Charles Robert Scrivener retired in changes to their lives providing years later that her father had 1915 from his position in Canberra cheap timber and the opportunity to decided that ‘No more trees should as Commonwealth Director of sell logs although they were only be taken and that the forest left [in Surveying, building the unusual and paid 1 shilling per 100 feet. Mt Irvine] should be allowed to charming ‘Taihoa’ at Mt Irvine from grow.’10 local timber. They also obtained fruit cases for 5 His younger sons Pedder and Tom pennies each when the fruit came According to ‘Mt Irvine A History’ Anderson’s mill closed in 1914 had returned from service in World along. War 1.

Before the fruit trees came into To provide them with employment bearing potatoes and onions were Tallest tree he discusssed with John Anderson grown between the trees and sold the idea of setting up a mill. to stores in Lithgow, Bathurst and The tallest reliably documented “ My father told him that the forest Mudgee. tree ever measured was the needed ten or fifteen more years of Thorpdale Tree, a Mountain Ash growth before milling could be John Anderson and his wife Amelia (Eucalyptus regnans) growing at viable.”12 lived in a small cabin with their Thorpdale in Victoria. young family close to the mill. In 1918 Charles R. Scrivener set up a mill below ‘Taihoa’ for his sons, About 1908 a fierce bushfire started The tree was measured at 112.8m and roared across the Knight Brown (370 feet) standing and 114.3m Pedder and Tom. John Anderson property showering sparks and (375 feet) on the ground after it perhaps reluctantly, entered into a burning fragments onto the mill. was felled in 1884. contract to cut and haul logs to the mill. Continued page 9

HERITAGE 8 March - April 2011 Turpentines used on Sydney wharves Continued from page 8 Three cottages were built on the road near the mill. Timber for building and for fruit cases was milled. The Turpentine, a very strong and hardy timber was sent to Sydney for piers for the wharves. A separate shed produced broom handles and pegs from Sassafras logs.13 When the new home of Colonel R.O.Wynne and Marianne Wynne was being constructed at Wynstay 1921-1923 much of the timber came from Mt Irvine, particularly the Blackwood.14 It was not long after that the mill was burnt down and was not A sketch of the Scrivener Mill which came originally from the restored. Home Journal.15 5 Ibid 11 Bilpin, The Apple Country A Local Endnotes 6 From Helen Morley, daughter of History by Meredyth Hungerford f From Eccleston Du Faur Photo Harold Morley 12 Decline of A Rainforest Eco Collection Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine 7 Mt Irvine A History News Lower Blue Mts. Conservation Historical Society Inc Archives. 8 Society 1992 Bessie Bramsen 2 From Mt Irvine A History by the Mt Irvineholme by Harold Morley The 13 Mt Irvine A History 1990s Irvine Community 1990s saw mill 14 Wynne Collection in the archives 3 Mt Irvine A History published 9 Bilpin, The Apple Country A local Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine History. privately by members of the Mt History by Meredyth Hungerford Society Inc. Irvine communit 10 y Decline of A Rainforest by Bessie 15 A copy is in the Mt Irvine Photo 4 Irvineholme by Harold Morley Bramsen in Eco News1992 Collection Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine unpublished 1950 Newsletter of the Lower Blue Mts Historical Society Inc. Conservation Society Mary developed a vision for a musem Continued from page 1 Mary made many friends through these endeavours at Woodford Academy and Norman Lindsay Gallery. By 1993 she was becoming recognised in her local community as a much needed researcher and writer on European settlement in Mt Wilson and the surrounding district.

Through months of discussion with the owners of Wynstay Mary developed a vision for a museum of local history to be set up in the Turkish Bath and remained the driving force behind the establishment of the museum and the Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society, incorporated in 1996.

It is mainly thanks to Mary’s dedication and skills that the local society is active, well supported On hearing of this recent award, Pictured above Mary and Ellis and recognised as an important many people in the community Reynolds. source of information and expressed the view that we are Contributed by Florence Smart for the reference material on local lucky to have her, and we heartily Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine Historical Society heritage. agree! Inc.

HERITAGE 9 March - April 2011 Trust award for Norman Lincoln Hall to Lindsay stalwart speak at Norman Long time hard working Lindsay chairperson of the Friends of Famed mountain climber and author, Norman Lindsay Gallery and Lincoln Hall will speak about his Museum, Debbie Handley has amazing adventures at an adult received the National Trust of literary evening at Norman Lindsay Australia (NSW) Commendation Gallery on Saturday, April 2. award. ‘Cartoon Dave’ Hackett will also talk Mrs Handley has received the about his life as a cartoonist. award for her work fundraising and organising events such as The evening will commence at 7pm the annual Jazz in the Gardens in with drinks, followed by anecdotes February and the Jazz and Wine and then questions and answers Festival in May. with the guest speakers and concluding with coffee and canapes. The award recognises her work as chairperson of the Friends of Cost $30 per person or $25 National Norman Lindsay Gallery and Trust members. Bookings essential Museum and as a member of the 4751 1067. NLG Advisory committee. behalf of the Trust the award to Debbie Handley (right of picture). On Sunday, April 3 Norman Lindsay Pictured is NLG manager Gallery will host the Festival of Amanda Trevillion presenting on Photograph by Bronwyn Mansfield Children’s Literature with talks by well known children’s book authors and illustrators.

NEW NAME FOR GARDEN The program will include Duncan Mount Tomah Botanic Garden since important part of the world,” Dr Bell, David Legge, Frances Watts March 1 is now known as the Blue Entwisle said. and ‘Cartoon Dave’ Hackett. Stalls, Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount book signings, story telling and Tomah. During March and April, the Blue entertainment and plenty of food. Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount The Royal Botanic Garden and Tomah will be part of the first annual Enquiries 4751 1067. Domain Trust executive director, Dr Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of Tickets 4784 3832 Gifts n Things. Tim Entwisle said the change of the Arts festival across all three name retains the link with Mount Sydney region botanic gardens. Tomah while highlighting the WALK THROUGH location of the garden and its role in To open the two-month celebration conserving and growing native of the arts, the garden will stage DARK’S garden plants of the Blue Mountains Garden Grooves, an afternoon jazz concert on Saturday, March 5. COMMON “We recently opened the World Blue Mountains Branch of the Heritage Exhibition Centre and this For more information contact 4767 National Trust is conducting a walk name change reflects our 3019 or visit through Dark’s Common along the commitments to this unique and www.autumnofthearts.com.au route of the Construction Tramway that was used to transport men and materials to the edge of the COX’S ROAD WALK Glenbrook Gorge for the duplication The Blue Mountains Branch of of Sydney basin to the western of the railway completed in 1912. National Trust is organising its plains of NSW. annual Cox’s Road walk for This is an easy walk down an Saturday, April 30. The walk being down hill is not interesting bit of Glenbrook history particularly difficult but it is steep in capped off by spectacular views of The walk is from Mt York to Hartley parts and walkers need good strong Glenbrook Gorge. Vale down the road constructed by footwear. William Cox and his band of Included is tea, coffee and bikkies convicts in 1814 – 15. There will be a hearty lunch at the at the end of the walk all for a cost bottom and a bus to take walkers of $5.Those interested should bring There are some excellent relics to back to Mt York. Cost $30 adults, walking shoes to Lapstone Public be seen, the result of hard work and children $15, families $75. School car park for a 9am start on ingenuity which enabled the first Enquiries to Rhona Leach May 15. settlers to move from the confines 4757 2424

HERITAGE 10 March - April 2011 Lithgow Family History Society to celebrate silver anniversary The Lithgow & District Family History Society Inc would like to invite all members including foundation members and guests to join in the celebration of its 25th Anniversary on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at the Zig Zag Motel, 70 Chifley Road. Lithgow, Cost is $35 per person for a three course meal.

There will be numerous family tree charts and other memorabilia and photographs on display, as well as a photographic slide show.

There will be 2 CD’s for sale for $10 each. One is a photographic slide show of members and events spanning the 25 years of the society, and the other is a CD on the society’s involvement in From humble beginnings in 1986. The society’s first library which was the Roses from The Heart - Female situated under the City Library and was cold and damp Convict Bonnets Project. The society of volunteers has established a library, now situated Some late bookings will be at the corner of Tank and Union accepted. Anyone may contact the Streets to store the extensive library on (02) 63531089 on Fridays resources of local cemetery from 10am - 4pm or Tuesday nights records, local and family histories, from 6pm - 9pm or Helen Taylor (02 journals from international and 6355 7231 or [email protected] national sources, many President of the society, Eleanor photographs, copies of Governments Gazettes and local The society’s premises corner of Martin said the group was Tank and Union Streets, Lithgow established in 1986 to allow local newspapers as well as IGAs and people and others to research their birth, death and marriage records family lines and to learn their family on CDs, fiche and reels. Convict, stories. shipping, immigration and census records are also held.

Social gatherings and bus trips to cemeteries and archives as well as workshops and seminars are arranged to assist people to research and store their Descendant of pioneers during information, source identification the Hartley procession - 1988 and display their family trees. Contact number is (02) 6353 1089 during open hours e-mail: Some records are available for sale [email protected] website http:// upon request and the society www.lisp.com.au/~ldfhs P.O. Box produces a journal Lithgow Pioneer 516 Lithgow NSW. 2790 Press three times a year.

Researchers can attend the library Christmas in July during open hours and receive Everglades at Leura will hold assistance to work through the Christmas in July lunches on extensive indexes of much of the Saturdays July 9 and 23. resources for a small fee. Open times are every Friday 10am - 4pm. Come in costume and join the Tuesday 6pm - 9pm and first fun of the Roaring 20s…And all Saturday 10am - 4pm of each that Jazz. $50 per person month except January Yvonne Jenkins founder of the For bookings 4784 1938 society in 1986

HERITAGE 11 March - April 2011 Mudgee’s early links with horse racing by John Broadley

The author of this article, John Broadley, a teacher by profession, undertook a Masters degree in Cultural Heritage Studies post retirement, and since has worked extensively on conservation management programs for numerous buildings in the Central West region of .

Currently President of Mudgee Historical Society Inc and a member of the Gulgong-Mudgee-Rylstone branch of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), his special interests are in the early settlement of the Central West region of New South Wales and Australian colonial architecture. John is soon to publish Historic Houses of Mudgee, a study of nineteen significant Mudgee district homes and their owners, gardens and outbuildings. Mudgee Historical Society Inc is an inaugural member of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations.

Isolation and the relatively late in 1842; later meetings were staged Henry Bayly of Beaudesert, arrival of the railway in 1884, successively at Menah and Mudgee, a son-in-law of William caused the Mudgee district to be Oakfield, before moving to the old Lawson, operated a horse stud long reliant on the horse. racetrack on the site of the airport in called Bayly Park at South Creek, 1861. and at one stage owned Australian, Many of the district’s pioneer a noted sire, the legendary pastoral families played leading The Rouses of Guntawang and Jorrocks. roles in the establishment of the Biraganbil were renowned for the bloodstock industry and in the quality of their bloodstock, as well It is unclear whether Jorrocks was administration of the turf in the as for their carriage and stock foaled at Bayly Park or Beaudesert, colony of New South Wales. horses. originally and confusingly also called Bayly Park. In the early days of the colony The famous ‘crooked R’ brand, William Hayes, an emancipist who established by the first Richard Jorrocks later belonged to John took up large tracts of land which Rouse, was immortalised by Banjo Richard Rouse of Guntawang, and evolved into the property now Paterson in the poem A Bushman’s began his extensive and known as Havilah, was a noted Song: distinguished racing career in breeder and importer of blood stock amateur races in the district. to Lucan Park, his property at This old black horse I’m riding – Eastern Creek, west of Sydney. if you’ll notice what’s his brand One of the oldest picnic race clubs He wears the crooked R you see in New South Wales, the Bligh His neighbour and son-in-law, – none better in the land. Amateur Race Club, is based in Charles Roberts of Wallgrove at Mudgee. Eastern Creek, who took up the Horse racing was one of the earliest homestead portion of Havilah, was forms of entertainment for the The club ran its first meeting in also a horse breeder of renown, district’s pioneer settlers; race 1874 and meetings have run owning at one stage Gratis, one of meetings and amateur picnic races regularly since then, with the the foundation stallions of the are still popular social occasions exception of the war years Australian bloodstock industry. today in Mudgee. Continued page 13

Prominent district pioneer William Lawson was a skilled equestrian even in his middle age, winning the Governor’s Cup on his own horse Spring Gun at Parramatta at the age of fifty-four.

Lawson’s Mudgee properties were supervised by youngest son Nelson Simmons Lawson and managed by Nicholas Paget Bayly, who later established the Havilah merino stud.

The first race meeting in the Mudgee district was held on the flats behind Nelson Simmons The local gentry at the Bligh picnic races circa 1920s. Photograph courtesy Lawson’s Putta Bucca homestead Mudgee Historical Society Inc.

HERITAGE 12 March - April 2011 1906 Cup winner Poseidon owned by Gulgong man Continued from page 12 Many Mudgee landowners were excellent amateur riders, among whom were Richard Rouse senior of Guntawang and his cousin Richard Rouse junior of Biraganbil. Richard Rouse senior and Vincent Dowling of the Lue Estate were both experted four-in-hand drivers, a sport which was much popularised in recent years by the involvement of Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Leslie Rouse and Herbert Rouse, sons of Richard Rouse junior of Biraganbil, were both extensively involved in racing.

For many years Leslie Rouse was a keeper of the Australian Stud Book Mudgee Racecourse circa 1920s Photograph courtesy Mudgee Historical and a prominent AJC administrator, Society Inc. The race course was moved to the current site (above while Herbert Rouse maintained the Lawson’s Creek and not far from the northern bank of the Cudgegong Biraganbil horse stud. River). The grandstand which appears in both pictures has been demolished. Ernest Hume, in his History of Mudgee compiled in the 1930s, Mulgoa and Rawdon at Rylstone. The Thompson family of Rylstone wrote nostalgically of race Edward King Cox, also a merino and Bylong has long associations meetings, when Mudgee must have breeder, bred Yattendon, winner of with horses and remains been a hive of activity: the first Sydney Cup and the sire of entrenched at Widden stud in the Chester and Grand Flaneur, Widden Valley, north-east of “In the early days it was a most themselves both sires and winners Mudgee. pleasing sight to witness the entry of the in 1877 and into town of many old pioneering 1880 respectively. Lochiel, a winning racehorse owned Bligh families with their prancing, by James Thompson of Bylong, was well-groomed four-in-hand teams Chester was sold in 1876 to James commemorated by a house in with coachmen in livery, and White, eldest brother of Henry Mudgee named Lochiel, formerly trumpeters in resplendent swing Charles White of Havilah. Annan Lodge, now the site of made a triumphant parade of the Mudgee Bowling Club, which was streets while large strings of sleek, James White’s winnings from bets owned briefly by the Thompson well-groomed horses filled the hotel on Chester allegedly paid for the family in the early 1900s. stables. construction of the elaborate mansion on Kirkham, now called (Sir) Hugh Denison of Guntawang Among the foundation members of Camelot, his racing stud at at Gulgong, was a successful racing the club were to be found many Camden. man, owning the 1906 Melbourne representatives of those grand old Cup winner, Poseidon. racing families and the names of James White also owned Martini- the Rouses, Lowes, Whites, Henry, winner of the Melbourne Cup Dowlings, McMasters, Watts, in 1883; Martini-Henry had the Bettingtons, Bowmans, Cox’s, same sire, Musket, as another Tucklans (sic), Lawsons, Niversons Melbourne Cup winner, Carbine. (sic) and Bells are still freely spoken of.” James White also started the Newmarket stables at Randwick Members of several of these and his racing success as an owner families remain entrenched in the in major racing events is still without district and maintain their families’ equal in Australia. traditional association with local Henry Charles White of Havilah and district racing. Poseiden, 1906 Melbourne Cup his son Henry Hunter White were winner Horses were also a major concern both heavily involved with racing and the AJC and maintained an for the Cox family of Fernhill at Continued page 14 extensive horse stud at Havilah.

HERITAGE 13 March - April 2011

Boat People, 1788 – 1922 The Blue Mountains Family History Society will conduct a seminar at the Springwood Baptist Church Hall, 313 Macquarie Road, Springwood on Saturday, April 9.

The seminar will discuss the Boat People 1788 - 1922…Why they came, the passages on the boat and what they did when they arrived in Australia.

The following is the program: 8.45am to 9.15am Registration 9.15am to 9.30am Welcome: Ian Kendall, M.C. 9.30am to10.30am Convicts and Colonists: An overview of the boat Pictured is the third class sleeping quarters and third class yard at the people 1788 -1922: Christine Yeats, notorious Parramatta Female Factory where female convicts were Manager, Public Access, State housed after arriving by boat from England. Photograph courtesy Gay Records NSW. Henriksen 10.30am to 11am Morning tea 11am to 12 noon The sweet, the From British prison to the shores of A glimpse of this unique aspect of sour, the seditious …and the NSW convict female factory women Australian history. swashbuckling: Gay Hendriksen, met the challenges of 12 noon to 1pm Assisted Scottish Curator, Parramatta Heritage transportation. Passages: Ray Thorburn is a full Centre. time family and social historian. He is to talk about the different waves of people who came from Scotland.

1pm to 2pm Lunch Other Melbourne Cup 2pm to 2.30pm Entertainment: Jim Lowe, Folk Singer 2.30pm to 3.30pm European winners links with Immigrants: Gary Luke is a NSW committee member of the Australian Mudgee Jewish Historical Society who will talk about European and Jewish Continued from page 13 immigration in the period 1788 – Born Hugh Dixon, he changed his 1922. name to Denison to avoid confusion 3.30pm to 4.00pm Afternoon tea with his uncle and namesake, Sir and finish Hugh Dixon, a staunch Methodist who disapproved of his nephew’s Noted sire the legendary, For further information, please association with racing. Jorrocks contact Jan Koperberg Phone: (02) Westcourt, the winner of the 1917 4754 1544 Email: During his period of ownership of Melbourne Cup, was at one stage [email protected] Guntawang from 1908 - 1918, the owned by Daniel Seaton, owner of property was renamed Eumaralla. Eurunderee at Mudgee, adjacent to Westcourt, formerly Frederickburg. Local newspapers regularly recorded the successes, progeny Rodney Rouse Dangar of Baroona, BMACHO’s and health of the bloodstock of the Singleton, a nephew of Richard annual general meeting to district’s nabobs, intermingled with Rouse senior of Guntawang, was social jottings: the owner of Peter Pan, winner of be held at Everglades, the 1932 Melbourne Cup. Leura on Saturday March 19 “After going home to Guntawang Mr commencing at 2.30pm Rouse’s Dum Dum nearly died from The Mudgee district continues its Guest speaker: Maisy being overheated. The daughter of association with the horse into the Stapleton - deputy CEO Projectile is now quite recovered.” present day, with large breeding, National Trust of Australia Mudgee Guardian, December 2, breaking and spelling (NSW) 1901. establishments at Gooree and Bookings to Jan Koperberg Guntawang and Havilah. Two other Melbourne Cup winners 4754 3275 have indirect links with the district. John Broadley (Copyright 2006)

HERITAGE 14 March - April 2011 Glenbrook’s horse trough - a new role in retirement By John Low Last year John Leary, the editor of this splendid journal, wrote a piece in HERITAGE about George and Annis Bills and their extraordinary horse trough legacy. (Leary, 2010)

To illustrate his article he used a photograph of the horse trough at The Glenbrook horse trough Glenbrook, one of four Bills troughs It is currently accessible and in protecting and alleviating cruelty to in the Blue Mountains and located good condition, though missing the animals. (Bills, 1925) on the western side of the small dog trough usually attached to Glenbrook Theatre (formerly the Bills funded troughs. The trust (to be administered by his School of Arts) facing Ross Street sister Daisy and her husband) was near its intersection with the Great In his article John mentioned a a natural outgrowth of George’s Western Highway. unique feature of this trough that long standing concern for animal distinguishes it from other Bills welfare and ensured that his and The other Blue Mountains troughs troughs, both in the Mountains and his late wife’s ideals would continue funded through the Bills estate can elsewhere – the presence of a small to find expression after his death. be found at Warrimoo, Wentworth brass plaque bearing the words: Falls and Medlow Bath. “This trough was donated in Indeed, when the demand for horse remembrance of those horses that troughs lessened in the post-war Though not in its original position, did not return from the First World years, the Bills Trust shifted its the Glenbrook trough was installed War 1914-1918”. primary concentration to the wider outside the School of Arts almost problems of animal welfare. certainly in the 1930s. Is this, however, strictly correct? While the Animal Protection Society, It appears that the inscription on the At some stage (possibly when the NSW, (of which George Bills was a Glenbrook trough was added at the building was converted into a ‘life governor’) expressed the hope time of its resurrection in 1985 and theatre) the trough was removed by at the conclusion of the war that though conceivably the fate of the the Blue Mountains City Council “the services rendered by war war horses could have informed the and placed in storage. horses and dogs” would be original application to the Bills recognised by the erection of war It was returned to public life during estate for funding, the plaque is memorial troughs (APSNSW, 1919) the Glenbrook Centenary more likely the result of later and George Bills would certainly celebrations in 1985 and ‘unveiled’ misunderstanding. have been in agreement with this, by Mayor Peter Quirk on Sunday, there is no mention in his will, Though qualified somewhat in her November 10 in the presence of drawn up in 1925, two years before recent publication (Aston, 2009), in residents and a number of local his death, of the war being the her earlier history of Glenbrook, horses. (Anonymous, 1985) reason behind his bequest. published around the time of the centenary celebrations, local Following legacies to family, friends historian Nell Aston certainly cites and employees, the will stipulated the memorial aspect as the reason that a trust fund be formed from the behind the Bills’ benefaction, writing residue of his estate to fund horse that troughs were funded “because troughs wherever, with the consent they [the Bills] were concerned of the appropriate authorities, they about the hundreds of Australian be deemed “necessary or desirable horses abandoned overseas after for the relief of horses or other World War I”. (Aston 1986) dumb animals” and to assist the work of societies and organisations Continued page 16 The plaque on the Glenbrook established for the purpose of horse trough

HERITAGE 15 March - April 2011 Thousands of horses shipped off to WW1 ... one returned alive Continued from page 15 Despite such issues of accuracy, however, the addition of the plaque has had a serendipitous effect. It has given the Glenbrook trough a new role in its ‘retirement’, a role not unsympathetic to the ideals behind the Bills bequest.

It has turned the old horse trough into a war memorial and, as far as I’m aware, the only war memorial in the Blue Mountains dedicated to animals and reminding us of their service and suffering through war.

When World War I began horse power was still the primary means of transporting people and goods and the military needed horses.

Thousands were required to move food, supplies and ammunition, evacuate the sick and wounded and the artillery regiments depended on them to transport their heavy guns. And then, of course, there were the mounted chargers so prized by the The legendary Australian light horse regiments were the mounted Light Horse, the tough, sure-footed infantry whose men and horses were inseparable in desert warfare. Australian Walers with a reputation What an attraction the Glenbrook second-to-none. Many light horsemen were genuinely and emotionally scarred trough could become as the focus Of the 135,926 Walers shipped by the enforced separation and of a distinct and unique memorial overseas for military purposes attempts during the post-war years service on Anzac Day and/or during World War I it is generally to raise money to buy back old war Remembrance Day each year! believed that only one returned. horses reflected a considerable Bringing together such (Yarwood, 1989) degree of public disquiet. organisations as the RSL, the Sandy was repatriated with the body In the 1920s a memorial trough RSPCA, the historical society, the of his rider, Major General Sir dedicated to the war horses was chamber of commerce and the William Throsby Bridges, leading erected in St. Kilda Road, schools and with a recounting of the general’s funeral cortege and Melbourne (relocated in 1986 to the stories of individual war horses, then being pensioned off to spend Shrine of Remembrance Reserve) dogs etc., especially of animals and the rest of his life at the Central and for many years was the centre their handlers associated with the Remount Depot, Maribyrnong, piece of an annual remembrance Blue Mountains area, a truly Victoria. service. individual experience of community remembrance could be fostered. Blind and sick he was put down in It was funded with money raised by 1923. As for the rest, if they the Purple Cross Service of Victoria, There is a recent precedent. In the survived the war, quarantine issues a body formed in 1915 to work on South Australian town of Barmera, a and the cost of shipping them back behalf of horses employed at the horse trough erected in 1930 to to Australia saw them left behind. front. honour the memory of horses who participated in World War I was They were ‘humanely’ slaughtered, George Bills, retired from his rededicated by the local primary sold locally or handed on to British Sydney business and living in school children in 2000. units. Melbourne at this time and active in the Victorian Society for the The children pledged to hold a Despite the efforts of many, Protection of Animals, may well service there on Remembrance Day especially among the light have donated money to this trough each year and to lay colourful, horsemen, to secure a humane and even attended the ‘turning on horseshoe-shaped wreaths on the future for the horses, confirmed the water’ ceremony presided over trough. cases of abuse occurred. by General Sir John Monash on Continued page 17 May 10, 1926. (Pertzel, 2006)

HERITAGE 16 March - April 2011 Glenbrook Royal award for Les and Anne horse trough Continued from page 16 The local council later attached a plaque declaring that the trough had been handed over to the care of the children and featuring a poem composed by the President of the Barmera RSL. (Berri-Barmera Council, 2001)

George and Annis Bills would most certainly have approved.

References Animal Protection Society NSW (1919) 46th Annual Report Anonymous (1985) Blue Mountains Gazette, 13 November, pp.24 & 25 (photo) Aston, Nell (1986) Roads Rails & The Royal Australian Historical Society has recognised the great work Ridges: History of Lapstone Hill - of Les and Anne Dollin of the Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Society for Glenbrook, Glenbrook NSW: Public their researching, recording and conducting historical field trips. School Centenary Committee, Kathie McMahon-Nolf the inaugural president of Kurrajong-Comleroy p.141 Historical Society (at right) presented the award on behalf of the RAHS. Aston, Nell (2009) Glenbrook and Photograph courtesy The Millstone District: A History, Glenbrook, NSW: Glenbrook & District Historical Society, p.51 INDEXES = INFORMATION Berri-Barmera Council (2001) Ever spent hours hunting through So indexes are essential! BMACHO Council News Sheet, March, p.7 & old journals looking for details you Heritage is not included in the December, p.6 [Can be found on- remember reading, but want now? journal indexes as it is restricted to line in the Newsletter Archives at Or did you just give up? hard copies only, but index to 2009- the Council’s website: http:// 2010 can be accessed on BMFHS In 2001 Suzanne Voytas, then www.berribarmera.sa.gov.au/site/ website at http:// president of Blue Mountains Family page.cfm ] www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ History Society Inc, and I were Bills, George (1925) Will of George ~nswbmfhs/res/bmacho.htm bemoaning the under utilisation of Bills, dated 16 October [Photocopy not only our past copies of The Our copy of NSW edition of All of the original supplied to me by Explorers’ Tree, but journals of other Australia WW1 soldiers has been George Gemmill, Victoria] societies. made accessible with an index. Leary, John (2010) ‘For the Relief of Horses and other Dumb Animals’, They held useful information and Miscellaneous indexes to Blue Heritage, January-February, p.14 represented a considerable outlay Mountains businesses from Pertzel, Barbara (2006) For All of our limited funds. To me indexing advertisements add to our local Creatures: A History of RSPCA was the dreaded chore that marked knowledge and help enquirers. Victoria, Burwood East, Victoria: the completion of one of my RSPCA, p.64 textbooks, yet I agreed to start An index to upper mountains Yarwood, A.T. (1989) Walers: indexing the society’s holdings. references in Lithgow Family Australian Horses Abroad, History Society’s extracts from The Melbourne: Melbourne University To date the society has published Clarion newspaper in 1942 enabled Press, pp.181 & 189 indexes to our journal holdings for us to find the location of an 2003, 2004-6, 2007-8, 2009-2010 evacuated family as they were ‘All you Gotta ready now and 2011 is underway. mentioned in a gossip column ... and so on. Do is Swing’ Combined total is about 18,000 ‘All you gotta do is swing - Some entries from societies from every Where there is a need, I will Adventures at the sharp end of state and territory, as well as some probably get around to compiling an Jazz’ is the subject chosen by overseas sources. index but although I admit a degree Peter Newton who is the guest of efficiency I still do not enjoy speaker at the Blue Mountains Family details are published where indexing. However I do appreciate Historical Society’s anual general we live, not where our ancestors the speed with which articles can be meeting to be held commencing lived so our research interests are located. at 10am on Saturday, April 2. worldwide and, of course, local Joan Edwards For further information telephone studies provide the setting in which Past President, Blue Mountains John Low on 4782 3751. they lived. Family History Society Inc.

HERITAGE 17 March - April 2011 Colonial vineyard’s history salvaged A box of documents containing rare information about the State’s oldest exisiting vineyard has been donated to the State Library of NSW.

The box was salvaged by a man scavenging the Cessnock rubbish tip. He in turn gave it to his friend, coal miner Bill Chapman, an avid collector of old papers. Bill recently opened the box to find some 3500 documents dating from the 1840s to 1900 relating to the pioneer wine An early image of the Wyndham cooperage producers George and John Wyndham. Wyndham Estate way back in the 1860s to 1880s, The box of documents includes manager Stephen Guilbaud-Oulton even though most people think the fascinating details about the logistics purchased the documents from Bill Australian wine industry came of of transporting wine by rail from and donated the entire archive to the age in the 1970s” she said. Branxton, correspondence with library. clients and a letter signed by Hardy’s George Wyndham became the Wines founder Thomas Hardy State Library head of Manuscripts, father of Australia’s shiraz after calling one of John Wyndham’s Tracy Bradford, said this was planting the first commercial shiraz drops, “the wine of the show.” In arguably the world’s largest single vineyard in 1830. He and John 1886 John Wyndham commis- collection relating to the running of a enjoyed great success at sioned photographer Harrie Ballard colonial vineyard. international competitions, with a to record his vineyard to homestead gold award at Bordeaux in 1882 and and celebrate his viticultural “Interestingly we can see from the a Diploma of Honour at the 1883 achievement. Of 18 pictorial albums collection that Australian wines were Amsterdam International Exhibition produced only a few survive, one in gaining international recongnition among their wins. the State Library. BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. REGISTERED OFFICE 14 Bunnal Ave, Winmalee 2777 MEMBERSHIP The following organisations are members of E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] BMACHO: Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, Website: www.bluemountains.heritage.com Blue Mountains City Library, Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage Centre, Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc., Blue THE ORGANISATION Blue Mountains Association of Mountains Family History Society Inc., Blue Mountains Cultural Organisations Inc. (BMACHO) was established Tourism Limited, Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, in April 2006 following a unanimous response to a Cudgegong Museums Group Inc., Everglades Historic House proposal from Professor Barrie Reynolds at the 2004 & Gardens, Friends of Norman Lindsay Gallery, Glenbrook & Blue Mountains Local History Conference which sought District Historical Society Inc., Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical from Blue Mountains City Council the creation of a Society Inc, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort, Lithgow and cultural heritage strategy for the city. District Family History Society Inc., Lithgow Mining Museum Inc., Lithgow Regional Library – Local Studies, Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum Inc, Mid-Mountains Historical Society BMACHO in its constitution uses the definition: “Cultural Inc, Mid Western Regional Council Library, Mt Victoria and heritage is all aspects of life of the peoples of the Blue District Historical Society Inc., Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine History Mountains which was later changed to cover Lithgow and Society Inc. (including Turkish Bath Museum), Mudgee the villages along the Bell’s Line of Roads. It therefore Historical Society Inc., Mudgee Regional Library, National involves the recording, preserving and interpreting of Trust of Australia (NSW) - Blue Mountains Branch (including information in whatever form: documents, objects, Woodford Academy), National Trust of Australia (NSW) - recorded memories as well as buildings and sites.” Lithgow Branch, Scenic World – Blue Mountains Limited, Springwood & District Historical Society Inc., Springwood The objectives of the organisation are: Historians Inc., Transport Signal and Communication Museum i. To raise public consciousness of Inc., The Darnell Collection Pty Ltd, Valley Heights the value of cultural heritage. Locomotive Depot and Museum, Zig Zag Railway Co-op Ltd. ii. To encourage and assist cultural The following are individual members: Ray Christison, heritage activities of member organisations. Associate Professor Ian Jack, Joan Kent, John Leary OAM, iii. To initiate and support cultural John Low, Ian Milliss, Professor Barrie Reynolds, and Dr Peter heritage activities not already covered by Stanbury OAM. member organisations. COMMITTEE The committee for 2010-11 is: John Leary One of the aims of BMACHO is to bring the various (president), Ian Jack (vice president), Jan Koperberg bodies into closer contact, to encourage them to work (secretary), Kathie McMahon-Nolf (treasurer), Jean Arthur, more closely together and to provide a combined voice Joan Kent, Doug Knowles, Dick Morony (public officer), on matters of importance within the heritage sector. Barrie Reynolds and Peter Stanbury.

HERITAGE BMACHO’s official newsletter is edited by HONORARY AUDITOR: Sue McMahon, B Comm CPA. John Leary, OAM. Blue Mountains History Journal is edited by AFFILIATIONS BMACHO is a member of the Royal Dr Peter Rickwood. Australian Historical Society Inc.

HERITAGE 18 March - April 2011