THE MILLSTONE KURRAJONG - COMLEROY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC PO Box 174 Kurmond, NSW, 2757

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4; MAY-JUNE 2006

The Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Society is dedicated to researching, recording, preserving and championing the history of “the Kurrajong”, the district bounded by the Hawkesbury at North Richmond, the Grose River, “Cut Rock” at Kurrajong Heights, along Comleroy and Blaxlands Ridge Roads to East Kurrajong, and to the . “The Millstone” refers to the Little Wheeney Creek millstones on display at Kurrajong Memorial Park. Logo designed for the Society by artist Tony Dixon.

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE STORY  Colo Church centenary The centenary of the Colo Church in early April put the spotlight on history – Page 6

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS  Grain road explored We followed the old road that once carried grain from Singleton’s mills at Kurrajong to Wilberforce to be loaded on ships for Town. Les and Anne Dollin report on this recent Society outing - Page 4

FAMILY INFORMATION  Making a bequest Frank Holland discovers how a be- quest built a strong historical society in the Blue Mountains - Page 7 Top: 203 guests gather outside the Upper Colo Anglican Church during its centenary BRIEFINGS celebrations [Photo by Valerie Holland]. Above: Joy and Phillip Shepherd, their grandson Ben Renaud, Valerie Birch, Peter  News and information – Page 2 and Airdrie Martin, Valerie and Frank Holland and Les and Anne Dollin stand next  New members – Pages 2 and 7 to a sulky in the church grounds [Photo supplied by Valerie Holland].  Dates for your diary – Page 8 See story on page 6.

- Page 1 - News & Information in the envelopes and mailing them out! “The main thrust of the collection is in The costs of purchases will be reimbursed the area of radios from the armed services Compiled by Jennifer Stackhouse from our funds. Benefits: First to read the and it is recognised by many as one of newsletter! the world’s most diverse collections of service radio equipment,” says Ian. “It also Photographer: The district is changing contains professional, commercial, broad- daily before our very eyes, particularly in casting and domestic components of some North Richmond and Kurmond. The society significance. now has its own digital camera. Is there any- one out there who would be willing to get “Much of the equipment is in working order Archiving your documents out on the streets and do some recording for which makes it very unusual for a museum the future? These cameras are dead set easy of this type.” Where do you keep those special family to work, doesn’t matter how many pictures photographs and precious documents? In you take, and if you don’t like them, you just The museum is very hands on. “Visitors are a shoebox under the bed? Years ago, many wipe them and have another go! able to listen to radios, listen to old radio of us got caught with those wretched sticky programs and try their hand at morse code,” photo albums which ended up discolouring Archiving: Another project we would like Ian explains. and ruining our photos. to start requires the archiving of Births, Deaths, Marriages, Obituaries and other He promises his collection is not just for Would you like to know how to archive them items of interest from our local papers. We radio buffs. “It has been specifically de- correctly, for the future generations? just need someone to scan the papers each signed to have universal appeal,” he says. week, cut out these articles, and archive “The aim is to have visiting groups from The society is having a full day workshop on them into albums. You can work at home! It various organisations visit by appointment just this subject. We have arranged for Kylie would be great if someone with a little time as well as being open at weekends for the Rees, the Archivist for the Royal Australian on their hands who already enjoys reading general public.” Historical Society to come to the Deerubbin the local papers would be prepared to start Centre in Windsor on Tuesday, 8 August this project. This will become a valuable as- We are getting a sneak preview. For details from 9 am to 3 pm. Kylie will bring the ma- set when we do actually find a home. Once of the film night, see page 8. terials along with her, which will be avail- again all costs will be reimbursed. able for sale, and show us ‘hands on’ how we should be looking after our treasures. The If you have some time to contribute and an workshop is being organised in conjunction interest in any of these jobs, please contact with Hawkesbury Family History Group, Frank Holland on (02) 4573 2226. New Members and charges are still being finalised. By Joy Shepherd Kurrajong’s radio museum For further details and to register your We are pleased to welcome Ron Madden interest please call Joy Shepherd on (02) of North Richmond as a new member to 4571 1524. our society.

Positions vacant Ron’s roots go way back in the Hawkes- bury. He is a member of the Elizabeth A big thanks to Robyn Fuller, who has Celey Family Research Group, and of taken over the task of supplying name tags KCHS member Ian O’Toole has a passion course, a direct descendent of Elizabeth to members attending our events. We are for radio. Historic radios and radio equip- Celey, who was tried in Somerset for looking a whole lot smarter with our per- ment particularly with a military connection. stealing apparel in 1795. She was trans- sonalised tags, complete with our Millstone His museum has blossomed on the site of the ported “Beyond the Seas” for a term of logo. If anyone out there would just like to old Pixie Mushroom farm. It will be open seven years, arriving in Sydney on 18 July help us in some other small way, we do have and on display to the members who join our 1798. She married John Rogers in 1798, and all three of her daughters settled in lots of other tasks that need a helping hand. film night in late May. North Richmond and Kurrajong in the Being more involved in the KCHS is fun early 1800s. and rewarding. “The official title of the museum is Kurra- jong Radio Museum,” explains Ian. “People Ron has always had a keen interest in Mail out co-ordinator: Joy Shepherd is no with the net could check it out by searching family and local history. In fact, in some longer able to be responsible for the printing Kurrajong Radio Museum on Google.” circles he is known as ‘Mr History’. Like and mailing of ‘The Millstone’ each two the Shepherds, the Madden family have months. This vital job entails purchasing the The site will even tell them how to get had four generations attending Kurmond pre-paid envelopes, stamping return address here he adds! And he promises there are Primary school, and he was very involved on the back, purchasing the A3 paper for hundreds of pictures of the museum on the in the recent 85th Anniversary celebra- printing, picking up the completed address website.“The museum is the culmination of tions. Ron has already been very willing labels from the treasurer, along with any close to 5 years of radio collecting,” says to share his knowledge, research and receipts etc to be included in mailout, taking Ian. “Prior to moving here the radios were photographs with the Society, so we are the copy to the printer in Windsor, collect- part of the Castle Hill Military Radio Collec- now really happy to have him as a full ing the completed newsletters a couple of tion, which I operated for 20 odd years. member. days later, and folding them, putting them - Page 2 - SOCIETY’S LIBRARY COLLECTION GROWS STRONG

Bush Schools ’s Yesterdays Under the able stewardship of Past and Present of Patrick Plains A look at our recent past archivist Val Birch, our collec- Compiled by Singleton Historical Society From Readers Digest Services Pty. Ltd. Donated by Valerie Birch Donated by Gladys Vincent tion of books and other material Comboyne Hawkesbury Heritage is continuing to grow. Many of Chronicles of the early days By Stan Stevens By Rod and Wendy Gow Donated by Gladys Vincent the books in the library have Donated by Valerie Birch Footsteps along the Ridge been donated by members and The first 125 years of Kurrajong East Public School Australia 1828 Census Report on North Richmond of By Kurrajong East Public School History Committee we thank them for the kindness Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical From the Library of Australian History Society and generosity. Val Birch has Donated by Valerie Birch Highways and By-Ways of the Sydney Region The Macquarie Schoolhouse and St. John’s Church provided the following list as a Pencil Drawings of 19th Century barns, buildings, Wilberforce farmhouses and cottages From St. John’s Church of England at Wilberforce record of acquisitions and dona- By Daphne Kingston Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical tions. Books are available for Donated by Daphne Kingston Society Byways of Steam with section on the Richmond reference or borrowing. For more The Traders Branch By Jean Purtell Eveleigh Press information, contact Val on (02) Donated by Comleroy Road Public School Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical 4573 2346. A History of Comleroy Road Public School established Society 1880 Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society St. Gregory’s Catholic Church Kurrajong. Donated by Comleroy Road Public School December 2005 Compiled by Rita Crane and Margaret McMahon Volume 91 Part 2 Donated by Vera and Gerry Bentvelzen The Rocks – Sydney a changing place 1855 40 Educational photographs Longleat to Kurmond Sacred to the Memory. A study of Wilberforce Cem- Donated by Comleroy Road Public School The Journey of a Soldier Settlement School etery. 1920 – 2005 By Cathy and Nicholas McHardy Memories of Yesteryear Volume 3 From Kurmond Public School Donated by Vera and Gerry Bentvelzen A collection of stories from the Hawkesbury Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Donated by Kathie McMahon Society Back from the Brink. and the Grose Wilderness On the Kurrajong Some Ups and Downs of an Old Richmondite. By Andy McQueen Compiled by Val Birch Reminiscences of Alfred Smith written in 1910 Donated by Vera and Gerry Bentvelzen Published by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical And published in the Windsor and Richmond Gazette Society Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical The Commandants Society The Tyrants who Ruled Norfolk Island Kurrajong An Early History By M. G. Britts By Vivienne Webb Pictorial History of Hawkesbury Donated by Vera Bentvelzen Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Compiled by Michelle Nichols Society Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Convict Kingston Society By Nan Smith Somewhat perilous Donated by Vera Bentvelzen The journeys of Singleton, Parr, Howe, Myles and The Coloites Blaxland History of the Colo River 1789 – 1945 Hell and Paradise In the Northern Blue Mountains By Diana Hazard The Norfolk – Bounty – Pitcairn Saga By Andy Macqueen Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical From Shearwater Press Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Society Donated by Vera Bentvelzen Society When We Were Boys Together Bilpin. A Local History Shingles Slabs and Sandstone Reminiscences of the Hawkesbury District By Meredyth Hungerford. A history of early Singleton district homes to 1870 By J. C. L. Fitzpatrick Donated by Meredyth Hungerford. Compiled by the Singleton Historical Society Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Donated by the Singleton Historical Society Society A History of Comleroy Rd Wesleyan Methodist Church Kurrajong Ben Singleton 1788 – 1853 Pioneer The Good Old Days Compiled by Patricia Willmott. Compiled by Kath Mahaffey As recalled by Elizabeth Rhodes Donated by Patricia Willmott Donated by the Singleton Historical Society Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Society A Little Girl living on Blaxlands Ridge in the 1930’s The Males Family Tree Reminisces of Eda Moss nee Kirkwood. Compiled by Gwen Barclay The Westbury Story Donated by Eda Moss Donated by Gwen Barclay 1897 – 1997 Compiled by Olga Williams to celebrate the centenary Louisa Atkinson of the Kurrajong Pansy The Richmond to Kurrajong Railway of the building of Westbury Donated by Thelma Groch From Tourist Railway Association Kurrajong Inc. Donated by TRAK Donated by Bill Sorby Pioneer Writer. The life of Louisa Atkinson Wilberforce Public School By Patricia Clarke Poems by Gladys Conolan Striving for Success through 125 years Donated by Jennifer Stackhouse Illustrated by Bryan Evans For the 125th celebrations of Wilberforce Public School Donated by Lola Conolan in October 2005 Tom Hellicar’s Children Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical By Louisa Atkinson A Brief History of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church Society Donated by Jennifer Stackhouse. Old , Kurrajong New South Wales Compiled by Cathy McHardy from research by Rita Oral History Handbook The First Generation Wollemi Pines Crane By Beth M. Robertson Collectors Edition Donated by Cathy McHardy Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Donated by Jennifer Stackhouse Recollections of Pioneer John Allan Society The Black and White of Kurrajong and Liverpool Plains 1828 – 1876 Copyright for Book Publishers Drawings of the Kurrajong District Transcribed by Rod and Wendy Gow Australian Copyright Council By Tony Dixon Donated by Rod and Wendy Gow Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Donated by Jennifer Stackhouse Kurmond Public School 1920 – 1995 Society WWI Hawkesbury Heroes. Volume One and Volume Produced by the 75th Anniversary Celebration Com- Where is Grandma’s Teapot? Two mittee of 1995 Record Keeping for Historical Museums Windsor and Richmond Gazette newspaper extracts Donated by Gladys Vincent Purchased by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical reports and letters from the front Society Compiled by Rod and Wendy Gow and Val Birch Outback Heroes Donated by Valerie Birch By Patsy Adam-Smith Books held by the Kurrajong Comleroy Historical Donated by Gladys Vincent Society The Blue Mountains – Bells Line As at 9th March 2006 Tourism Book Donated by Valerie Birch - Page 3 - THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE OLD GRAIN ROAD OF THE HAWKESBURY of feloniously stealing 27 yards of calico established a water-operated overshot grain On Tuesday 21 February 2006, valued at 27 shillings. Despite the testimony mill. He called his mill the ‘Speedwell’. 19 members of KCHS followed of four character witnesses William was Later Benjamin Singleton and his brother, leader Les Dollin along the sentenced to seven years transportation to James, built a second mill lower down Little historic Grain Road. Anne and NSW. William’s wife, Hannah, was encour- Wheeny Creek to handle the huge demand Les Dollin tell the story. aged to go to NSW too for the “sake of the for grinding grain. colony”. Their eldest son, James, then aged Most drivers whizzing along today’s Kur- about 14, may have been apprenticed to a In 1814 the value of wheat in the colony mond Road would be quite unaware of the trade at that time because the family decided rose sharply due to a series of great floods, historic significance of this road - one of to leave him behind in England. Hannah, droughts and caterpillar plagues that had the earliest government roads built in the with just her two younger sons, Benjamin nearly brought the colony to starvation very first days of Kurrajong’s history. This and Joseph, joined William as guests of the point. Governor Macquarie issued a decree fascinating road was then known as the Crown on ‘The Pitt’, headed for Sydney, that 10 shillings per bushel would be paid Grain Road. Australia. for wheat delivered to the King’s Stores at Sydney. As a result settlers planted wheat The old Grain Road was a convict built road After a perilous 30 week voyage on which everywhere and the wheat fields expanded that originally ran from the Singleton broth- many died, suffering from extreme heat, from the Hawkesbury flood plains all the ers’ grain mills on Little Wheeny Creek storms, the flux (gastroenteritis), scurvy way up to Kurrajong. to Wilberforce on the Hawkesbury River. Bul- The Hawkes- lock teams used to haul bury River heavy loads of grain up trade the Grain Road to the mills where the wheat All of this wheat was ground into flour. growing in the Then the bags of flour Hawkesbury in- were hauled back down creased the de- this old road to Wilber- mand for trans- force to be loaded on portation and a sailing ships bound for thriving ship- old Sydney Town. ping industry grew up along The KCHS Grain Road the Hawkes- Trip in February start- bury River. At ed at Arthur and Sue that time the Quigley’s cafe in the river was deep Kurmond Newsagency. enough to allow Over delicious scones, sailing ships to tea and coffee, Les Dol- carry cargo all lin took the group for a the way up to journey back in time to the Hawkesbury the origins of the old district and ship Grain Road, now known builders became as Kurmond Road. established on the river banks. The Old Grain Road The trade route of the flour from the Singleton brothers’ mills at Kurrajong via the story old Grain Road to Wilberforce and then via ship along the Hawkesbury River to the One of the best King’s Stores at Sydney and Parramatta in the early 1800s. k n o w n s h i p The history of the old b u i l d e r s w a s Grain Road revolves John Grono who around two talented and capable brothers, and small pox, the convicts and settlers ar- had ship building yards opposite Grono Benjamin and James Singleton who built rived in Sydney Harbour in February 1792. Point near Pitt Town. Grono owned a ship water-operated grain mills at Little Wheeny On their arrival, there were only two free with an intriguing connection with the Little Creek. Their story begins in Portsmouth, women and two free boys in the colony. Wheeny Creek water mills. England, over 200 years ago. Benjamin and Joseph Singleton were those two boys. John Grono owned an 18 ton sloop that In 1791 more than 400 convicts, military carried grain on the Hawkesbury River. corps and crew were boarding ‘The Pitt’, By 1797 William Singleton had served his In 1804 this ship ran aground in Broken an overcrowded sailing ship bound for time and took up 90 acres at Mulgrave Place Bay and as all efforts to rescue her failed, . Amongst the miserable pas- along the Hawkesbury River between Wind- Grono abandoned her. However, the ship sengers boarding that day was four year old sor and Pitt Town. William and Hannah put was purchased “at all hazards” by Andrew Benjamin Singleton. 60 acres under wheat and maize and had six Thompson who, with two other ships and 20 more children. Then in 1808 the Singletons hands, succeeded in refloating her. This ship Benjamin’s father, William Singleton, origi- were reunited with their eldest son James, was called the ‘Speedwell’, a name later nally a farmer, had been working as a porter now about 30, who arrived as a free settler adopted by Benjamin Singleton for his first in London. One day William had picked up on ‘The Aelous’. water mill on Little Wheeny Creek. a parcel of linen left for delivery outside a warehouse and he tied it up in his apron. The tall English wheat growing on the river Bags of flour from the Singleton broth- Unfortunately for William, the head porter, flats would be worth much more if it were ers’ mills were hauled down the old Grain John Martin, caught him and William found ground into flour. In 1810 Benjamin Single- Road to be loaded on the grain ships at himself at the Old Bailey facing charges ton took up land at Little Wheeny Creek and Wilberforce, bound for Sydney Town. The - Page 4 - ships would is to Wilberforce - these then sail over two sister settlements are 130km down just on opposite sides of the winding the river. The settlers did Hawkesbury not regard the river as a River to Wise- barrier in those days but mans Ferry and crossed it frequently us- on to . ing the Pitt Town Ferry. Here the ships sheltered until Finally we took a fasci- the weather was nating stroll around the favourable then historic Wilberforce cem- the ships ven- etery with headstones tured out into dating back to 1816 and the perilous burials as early as 1811. open ocean to Graves of First and Sec- sail down into ond Fleeters can be seen, Port Jackson. such as that of Matthew Everingham, 1817. Other This marathon familiar names repre- shipping jour- sented in this graveyard ney was consid- include Becroft, Bowd, ered easier than Cobcroft, Dunstan, Far- hauling grain by KCHS members on the Grain Road trip outside the historic schoolhouse / low, Gosper, Greentree, bullock team down chapel at Wilberforce. [Photo courtesy Les Dollin]. Izard, Rose, Stubbs and Turn- the notorious Wind- bull. Historical Windsor The sor Road to Parram- group then went on to the atta and Sydney. Furthermore, although Travelling on The Old Grain Windsor Museum in Thompsons Square to the journey by ship was three times as long Road see relics of George Howell’s early water- as the journey by land, the shipping freight operated grain mill from the Hawkesbury was only two thirds the price of hauling it Fortified by our Quig’s Cafe scones and District of Yarramundi and photographs, overland. tea and inspired by this story, the group documents and artefacts of the Hawkesbury followed the old Grain Road down to river trade. After a picnic lunch in the park, So the old Grain Road became a vital link Wilberforce. The old Grain Road follows we visited Windsor’s new Deerubbin Cen- between the Singleton brothers’ water-op- a natural ridge line descending gradually tre. Curator, Kathleen von Witt, opened up erated mills on Little Wheeny Creek and from Kurrajong to the Hawkesbury River. the art gallery especially for us so that we Wilberforce, where the thriving shipping The gentle grades of this unique route ena- could see the spectacular ceramic and paint- industry carried the flour onwards to the bled the bullock teams to haul heavier loads ing exhibitions by Les Blakebrough and young colony. between the river and the mills. Les encour- Peter Cooley. Then Lending Services Li- aged the group as they drove down the road brarian, Cathy McHardy, showed us around to imagine being teamsters driving bullock the excellent new facilities of the central teams hauling bags of flour from Single- library. Cathy, who is also a KCHS member, ton’s Mills bound for Sydney Town via the received the society’s annual award in Janu- 1833 Grain Road map found! mighty grain ships of the Hawkesbury. ary 2006 for an outstanding contribution to local history. As a final highlight of the In August 2005, 17 KCHS members toured Historical Wilberforce day, Cathy treated us to a behind the scenes the State Archives at Kingswood and spent tour of the Local Studies Collection. In a the afternoon searching for old maps and At Wilberforce, Rev. Geoff Bates, senior temperature controlled back room of the documents about the Grain Road. A major minister of St John’s Anglican Church, gave library is a treasure house of the district’s find of the day was an original 1833 parch- our group a fascinating tour of the 1820 old books, photographs and newspapers. ment map showing the route of the old Grain schoolhouse /chapel and the original church Highly respected researcher, Michelle Road from Kurrajong to Wilberforce. This built in 1859. This schoolhouse /chapel is Nichols, another KCHS member, showed hand-painted map was entitled the ‘Survey the only survivor of four such buildings us examples of the valuable records, old of Roads in the Districts of Wilberforce and commissioned by Governor Macquarie. Hawkesbury photographs, rare books and the Kurrajong’. This map was marked A2 family donated items carefully preserved and belongs to a series of road maps show- The schoolhouse has been lovingly restored in the collection. ing the Kurrajong area in the 1830s. and the soft handmade brickwork has just been painted again to protect it. The ground Floods, droughts and caterpillar plagues and Les had a copy of this old 1833 parchment floor with its low doorways used to be the the poor performance of early windmills map on display for the Grain Road Trip. The schoolmaster’s residence and it was fas- nearly brought the early colony to starva- river was painted in blue, showing all the cinating to climb the stairs to the second tion point in the early 1800s. Kurrajong’s wharves, ferries and fords accessible from storey schoolroom where the children used mills, the old Grain Road from Kurrajong to the Grain Road. The owners of early prop- to study 180 years ago. Through the school- Wilberforce (a crucial haulage route that is erties that the Grain Road passed through room window you could see, on the nearby now Kurmond Road) and the Hawkesbury included (starting at the Kurrajong end) church wall, a unique vertical sundial which River sailing ships played a vital role in Rouse, Baldwin, Gosport, Raby, Cobcroft, the schoolmaster used to watch so he would the survival of the early colony of Sydney. Lock, Robinson, Malony, Dargon, Howarth, know what time school was over. Kurrajong should be very proud of its his- Dunstan and Atkins. The map showed sev- toric water-operated grain mills and the old eral deviations, with the road then in use After touring the old church we looked Grain Road. marked in colour. over the valley to see how close Pitt Town - Page 5 - UPPER COLO ANGLICAN CHURCH CELEBRATES CENTENARY stories were left untold, On a beautiful mild, clear including that of the first sunny April Sunday morning burial of Charlotte Gill, “who died of a fall from 203 people filled the Upper her horse in 1842” (from Colo Anglican Church and its ‘The Coloites’ by Diana Hazard). Another was of adjacent grassed area to join an old aboriginal man, together in a commemoration Billy Tom, of whom it is and thanksgiving service to said had “lived in a cave along the Colo River” mark that church’s centenary. and used to do odd jobs Valerie Holland reports on this round the district, for which food was his pay- event which marked a major ment. Tom died in 1923 milestone in the history of the and is thought to have Upper Colo. been buried in his canoe in the lower right hand side of the burial ground Two groups of guests gave the occasion where a simple metal a nostalgic atmosphere by arriving at the cross stands. church in single horse drawn buggies. ‘Coloites’, ex-residents, friends and a group Lunch was provided in he said there were still lessons to be learned of 10 representing the Kurrajong-Comleroy the park grounds of the Somerset camp- today, from the sacrifices that the early set- Historical Society, shared this significant ing facility next to the Colo River, served tlers were willing to make for the welfare of milestone in the life of this church and the on tables shaded by large eucalypts and their families and the community. community. some introduced trees. Guests enjoyed the

History of site opportunity of rekindling old associations The old church, standing on the hill beside and swapping many stories and photos of Comleroy Road as it leads to the Colo River, the past. had been lovingly restored for the occasion. The original grantee of the land on which It was evident that many hours of labour had the Church was later constructed was Henry Gosper House been employed on installing a new roof, new Hoile, who received his grant of 80 acres in 1823. Mr Thomas Gosper Junior bought internal lighting and painting the internal Historic Gosper House built in 1870 on the land from Mr Hoile in 1835 and later, walls white. Small multi-coloured glass part of the original 80 acre land grant that in 1857, donated three quarters of an acre paned arched windows add to the simplicity was bought by Thomas Gosper Junior for a school and burial ground to the Church of this lovely building. Outside the church from Mr Hoile was kindly opened as part of England. A building was erected in that attention had been given to beautifying the of the celebrations by the present owners year. The history of Colo has been recorded grounds of both the church and its small Howard and Cheryl Smith. This delight- in ‘The Coloites’ by Diana Hazard. In her cemetery and in the installation of a new ful old residence has commanding views book she writes: “From 1857 a building ablution building. of the valley and is shaded by a number used as a combined school and church ex- of beautiful trees. Visitors wandered up isted alongside the burial ground.”. Pastoral care from Wilberforce the sandstone stairs to the main entrance and paused to notice the ‘S’ shape style Brian (Mate) Gosper, a descendant of Tho- Reverend Geoff Bates, whose main pastoral of the veranda’s corrugated iron roofing. mas Roker Gosper, gave a few glimpses of care is the historic St Johns Anglican Church Inviting verandas shelter all sides of the the history of the church which had at one at Wilberforce, welcomed everyone to the building. The outside of the house has a time had been part of the Kurrajong Parish. service. He told of the church being origi- warm ochre wash that covers the hand He said the church looked the best it had nally opened on 5 April 1906, before 200 made bricks, the same bricks as those used been in 30 years. people, under the auspices of the Church in the building of the Upper Colo Church. of England. This was later the Anglican Inside tall ceilings, thick timber doors and Brian told of the bricks having been made community when the church administration wide floor timbers give a warm ambience. of clay, dug from the area and the construc- changed its name. The old kitchen has exposed brickwork and tion as having being of the English stress a large hearth. Reverend Bates talked about the difficul- style, in which there are full and half bricks utilised. ties that the early settlers had encountered At one time a mail sorting depot, later to in the 1800s, when the Colo River was the be Upper Colo post office and telephone He explained that at one time there had been lifeblood of the community. He also em- exchange, operated from a small room a dispute in the Gosper family about the us- phasised the importance the settlers placed built onto the back of the kitchen. It was age of the building and the burial ground. As on their commitment to the church. Settlers here in the early days drovers including a result one member of the family refused to were fiercely independent and lived for their Snowy Dubois, the last cattle drover to on use the church or the burial ground. family, community and their God. As many Comleroy Road, used to collect droving had large families, they only managed to permits. survive by hard work. One hundred years After the Church service, visitors wandered through the small cemetery to ponder on the later there had been considerable change. The house has been sensitively restored lives and dreams of those who had once been There were now no community halls in the over the past 10 years by the present members of the community. Many poignant valley and few operating churches. However owners, with some additions in bathing - Page 6 - and plumbing facilities to make life more comfortable. MAKE A BEQUEST The Captain’s House Having our own prem- to the historical Wal (Walter) Jones’ former residence, com- ises in Kurrajong is one society, and on monly called by locals the Captain’s House, of the long-term goals of her death left housed a display of historic records and the remainder books arranged for the celebration. the Kurrajong Comleroy of her estate to Historical Society. With Wal Jones had been captain of the river current real estate prices the society. This very generous boat ‘The Surprise’ which had been part it may seem unattainable but of a vibrant river trade and the life blood bequest provid- what if we are lucky enough of the early Colo community. It had taken ed the society with a means for growth. passengers and goods back and forth along to find a benefactor? Valerie The land bequest is approximately 3 acres the river as far as Brooklyn. His house, now and Frank Holland tell the story (1.5ha).1 part of the Somerset property, is a gracious of how a benefactor helped a lo- old building of weatherboard construction, with inviting verandas, tall pressed metal cal historical society in the Blue With grant funds and much voluntary ceilings and solid timber doors and floors. Mountains. labour the society was able to extend the It has been altered to enable it to be used original museum to include a modern as quarters for the Somerset Centre and is On a recent visit to the Blue Mountains research centre. The building now con- now named “Somerset”. Historical Society’s home at Wentworth tains two main rooms separated by a hall, Falls we were impressed by the facili- Arthur Crichton, owner of the Somerset kitchen and toilets. The main rooms are a ties this group enjoys – a building with Camping Complex, concluded the official large meeting room fitted out with seats proceedings and children were given the op- a meeting area, research room, kitchen from an old theatre and decorated with portunity to ride in the horse drawn buggies and other facilities adjacent to an historic historic paintings and displays. The other in the park-like grounds of “Somerset”. building which is furnished as a house room is dedicated to research and con- museum. tains a well stocked library, a number of Acknowledgements: We are grateful to Wanda Deacon, secretary of the Upper microfiche readers, numerous filing cabi- Colo Valley Historical Society, Wendy Ward The society was established in 1946. One nets, compactors and systems for storing from the church restoration group and of its biggest moves forward came from a maps, photos and documents. Over the Arthur Crichton of Somerset, for inviting bequest of the remaining parcel of land of years much of the furnishings have been KCHS members to share in this centenary a former 50 acre property, formerly owned donated by local businesses, individuals celebration. by John McLaughlin. This incorporated and by local council. The original cot- historic ‘Tarrella Cottage’, completed in tage, ‘Tarella’, has been preserved and New Members 1920 and built by John McLaughlin as a houses a display of historic artefacts and By Valerie Holland mountain holiday home for his family. It furnishings including some McLaughlin was built on land granted at one pound family pieces and is a joy to tour. The Society warmly welcomes George per acre in 1879. Patrick Henderson. Originally from The above is a story of growth and de- Ireland, George worked for many years Over the years the land was subdivided. in sales and marketing for the Dunlop velopment that is mirrored in many other John’s daughter Beryl purchased the company. This gave him the oportunity localities. With our very young society cottage and land in 1937. It was used as to travel the world. He spent some time (now five years old) we look forward to living in New Zealand, where he watched a holiday home until 1953 when Beryl one day having a similar facility so that the construction of the Auckland Bridge, moved in full time with her recently wid- the rich history of the Kurrajong district which joined the city with the north owed sister, Ida. In 1967 following further can be preserved for future generations. If shore. George returned to Ireland for a subdivision of the original property, Beryl you are thinking of making a bequest to a while, before visiting Australia to inspect had erected (at her own cost and to her worthwhile cause we ask you to consider cricket grounds. In 1961, at the end of own design) a museum building. This our need. Any and all donations would be this inspection tour, he learned that his now forms the western part of the build- most welcome. father had died, so he decided to remain ing now used as the historical society’s in Australia. Two years later George met headquarters. More information his future wife, who was an Australian teacher of Irish descent. The pair moved Please contact Frank Holland, Project Beryl was one of the first female archi- to Castle Hill. After the death of his wife Officer, on 4573 2226 for information or tecture students and the University of in 1997, his two daughters commenced to obtain a bequest form. ‘Tarella’ is in discussions with him about moving closer Sydney and was a founder of the Blue Falls Road, Wentworth Falls and is open to some of the family and have been help- Mountains Historical Society. Beryl four times a year. ful in assisting him. George recently made McLaughlin died two months before her the move to Kurrajong and is happy to be 100th birthday in 1988. Just before her Footnote near his daughter Felicity, her husband death she transferred the other half of the 1 Information from ‘The McLaughlin Brett and his grandaughter Shaelyn. subdivided land and the cottage ‘Tarella’ Family and Tarella’ by B. Craven, 1995.

- Page 7 - Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills (located Comleroy Historical Society and posted to on northern side of road). Some parking on KCHS, PO Box 174, Kurmond, 2757. In- the property. clude your name, address and phone number Time: 7.30pm on along with the event you are booking for and Cost: $5 (plus packets of Jaffas for sale, byo the names of those attending. mug for coffee and tea) Dates for your diary More information: Ian and Pat O’Toole (02) Venues 4573 0601 Activities will be scheduled at different ven- * Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 10 May – On ues to make use of halls, meeting rooms and the Bell’s Line of Road * Tuesday 13 June – Day outing, Kur- restaurants throughout the district. Check There is still a chance to join our exciting rajong venues carefully before setting off. Any overnight exploration of the Bells Line of A chance to explore one of Kurrajong’s his- problems en route contact Joy Shepherd on Road from Kurrajong to Hartley. We will toric properties and enjoy a picnic lunch. 0417 029 685. visit Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, Bell, Mt Where: Meet at Memorial Park, Kurrajong Victoria and Hartley and many other points Village. Car pooling available. Next newsletter of interest. Learn how the road was built Time: 11am The next issue of ‘The Millstone’ will be and find out about the families who lived Cost: No charge, but byo lunch and ther- published in July 2006. If you have an item on and used the road. The tour is led by Les mos. to include in the newsletter please contact Dollin. Guest speaker at our evening dinner More information: Kathie McMahon on Robyn Fuller on 4573 0696. Copy deadline will be Trish Downes, who will talk about (02) 4567 7105. is 14 June 2006. families of the area. Where: Travel by individual car (car pool- * Sunday 23 July - Midwinter Dinner This year our usual Midwinter Dinner will ing available). COMMITTEE Time: 9.00am departure be a daytime event. We will be enjoying Cost: $99 (accommodation, dinner and ‘Christmas in July’ on the Hawkesbury President: Kathie McMahon (acting) breakfast). All other meals at own expense. Paddlewheeler. Meet at 11.45 am at Windsor Kathie McMahon Overnight accommodation including din- wharf for a 12 noon departure and return- Vice President: ner, bed and breakfast has been arranged at ing at 2.30 pm. We will be served with a Secretary: Valerie Holland the Manor House, Mt Victoria for $99 (per traditional Christmas dinner as we explore person, twin share). If you are intending to and learn more about the early days of the Treasurer: Joy Shepherd join this excursion, please forward a deposit Hawkesbury River. Minute Secretary: Pat O’Toole and booking fee of $30 in total as soon as Cost: $30 per head (drinks not included but possible. can be purchased on board). Committee Members: Airdrie More information: Frank and Valerie Hol- Martin, Marguerite Wyborn, Robyn land (02) 4573 2226 Coming events * August 8th (time and cost to be con- Fuller, Les Dollin * Monday 29 May – Film night firmed): Archiving workshop (see story Join us for an old fashioned night at the page 2) movies. Films to be screened date from the * Monday 25 September: AGM and trivia Project Officer: Frank Holland 1930s to the present day with ‘The Squat- night ters Daughter’, ‘A Nation is Built’ and the * Monday 27 November: Lecture evening Acquisitions Officer: Val Birch recently released ‘Devils Wilderness’, a film with Laurie Duffy Millstone Editor: Greg Upton which charts the retracing of the route of George Caley from Kurrajong to Mt Tomah. Bookings Webmaster: Greg Upton As a bonus we will explore Ian O’Toole’s To book for any of these events, call Joy Radio Museum. Shepherd on (02) 4571 1524. All cheques Where: Kurrajong Radio Museum, 842 should be made out to the Kurrajong

 Winner of Parramatta Regional Awards for Loxley specialises in Excellence in Sales and Marketing 2005  Special Events  Western Sydney Vocational Excellence Award for Help and Support for School Based Trainees 2005  Anniversaries  Highly commended Western Sydney Industry  Birthdays Awards for Regional Excellence in Outstanding Regional Promotion 2005  Weddings  Highly commended Western Sydney Industry “Catering for love, learning and leisure”  Private Dining Awards for Entrepreneur of the Year 2004  Boutique Accommodation  Winner of Hawkesbury Excellence in Business 993 Bells Line of Road Presentation for Ten or More Employees 2004  Winner of Western Sydney Industry Awards for Kurrajong 2758 Tourism Most Outstanding Contribution to Western Sydney Tourism by a Small Business 2003 Ph: (02)4567 7711  Winner of Western Sydney Industry Awards for Fx: (02)4567 8231 Excellence in Tourism, Meetings and Business Tour- ism 2003 [email protected]  Winner of the HMAA Best Short Break www.loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au Accommodation in NSW/ACT 2003  Business Advisory Service Inc. Best Home Based Loxley on Bellbird Hill Business of the Year Award 2003 is delighted to be a member of the  Winner of Western Sydney Industry Awards for Helen Lord’s wedding 16th March 1921 Kurrajong - Comleroy Historical Society Inc. Excellence in Tourism, Hosted Accommodation 2002

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