HERITHERITHERITAGEAGEAGE NEWSLETTER OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE No. 5 Norman Lindsay and the ‘Magic Pudding’

. The Magic Pudding characters, Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, the Magic Pudding and Sam Sawnoff Albert’s ability to be thoroughly rude as well as escaping ARTICLE BY HELEN GLAD at the drop of a basin has made him a hero for many a young boy. Norman Lindsay is the author of one of Australia’s best-loved stories, ‘The Magic Adventure is as important as food in The Magic Pudding Pudding’, however his talent was not limited to with the Puddin’ owners wandering the long bush tracks of writing for children. His early career started at Australia - either seeking or fleeing from Puddin Thieves. the Bulletin where he was principal cartoonist; There are archetypal characters, reminiscent of Lawson he also wrote novels and produced a torrent of who inhabit a bush landscape of crackling gum leaves pen drawings, etchings, watercolours and oil and bright skies. Perhaps we now think of these as paintings. Lindsay’s story is told by his grand stereotypes of the Australian male character, but then they daughter, Helen Glad, who was a constant were the norm and the bush somehow seemed a lot visitor at ‘Springwood’, the house her closer to the city. grandparents established in the Blue Mountains. And let us not forget that the Pudding began its long steaming life at a time of the worst devastation the world Norman Lindsay wrote his classic Australian children’s had known. story The Magic Pudding in 1918. Since then generations of Australian children have been reading the adventures of Millions of young men were dying in the mud and filth of a Albert, Bunyip Bluegum, Sam Sawnoff, Bill Barnacle and war very distant from the sun and blue sky of home. the Puddin’ thieves. Heroes were genuinely forged in that conflict, and mateship was not an abstract emotion but often a means Lindsay had a wager that children were more interested in of survival. reading about food than fairies - and it is a bet that Lindsay clearly won. Albert, the gravy-voiced Pudding, has The origin of the Magic Pudding can be traced to the extraordinary talent of never ending as well as Lindsay’s childhood. transforming into all sorts of delicious sweet and savoury treats. Continued page 4

HERITAGE 1 September- October 2009 From the president’s pen...... GETTYSBURG ADDRESS ETHIC NEEDED FOR AUSTRALIA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

When Abraham Lincoln delivered operate on shoestring budgets. BMACHO has embarked on a his Gettysburg Address which Heritage buildings crumble into strategy for ensuring a better encapsulated the words dust, priceless artefacts have no understanding of the treatment of “government of the people, by the suitable accommodation, volumes cultural heritage by government at people, for the people”, he did so of archive material disintegrate or all levels and within the community on a battlefield. fall victim to mites or mould. at large. Funding for our maritime and While no one wants to emulate industrial heritage is a disgrace. One of the ways of grabbing the the battlefields of the American attention of decision-makers is by Civil War, which brought rise to Be it the unique village of Hartley, face to face dialogue. But Lincoln’s address, there is a need the little-known farm relic of unrepresented opinion has little for Australians to go on to a war ‘Browntown’, the etchings of effect on politicians. footing with government at all Norman Lindsay or the surveyor’s levels when it comes to our notes and maps of the surveyor To ensure the best impression on cultural heritage. George William Evans which made politicians such as the shadow feasible the route taken by William minister who will address a public For too long successive Cox who constructed the great meeting organised by BMACHO on governments in this country have western road from Emu Plains to September 25, the largest possible ignored the Lincoln ethic of those Bathurst two centuries ago, all are attendance will help to make at immortal words and instead have part of our cultural heritage and least the alternative government in pandered to ideology and lobby deserve to attract better funding for this state realise that people are groups which serve only their own conservation, restoration, housing concerned about heritage issues. narrow needs often based on and management. BMACHO will create other making a “big buck”. opportunities to express community Although bodies such as the RAHS concern to politicians of all The heritage sector has in the and National Trust have been persuasions. past achieved some success by keeping heritage prominently before its quiet and thoughtful approach, our politicians, government needs Those interested in our heritage are but far more could perhaps have to understand the importance of our urged to encourage others to attend been accomplished had the cultural heritage and take advice the meeting at Wentworth Falls, for causes been more widely from the heritage sector if we fail to make government better articulated, bringing on board the understand the heritage sector’s community at large. The clarion call has come with the concerns then the war will be lost. A NSW government announcement society which ignores its heritage With some 14 declared world earlier this year giving the minister does so at peril to future heritage sites in Australia, intent for planning unfettered power in generations. has been declared, without real relation to heritage properties. In so John Leary, OAM - president, funding. doing it has weakened the influence Blue Mountains Association of of heritage organisations. Research facilities and museums Cultural Heritage Organisations KEEPING INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES BEFORE MEMBERS BMACHO’s committee is concerned It is now proposed that secretary appointed BMACHO representative that ordinary society members are Barrie Reynolds will e-mail a brief to report on BMACHO activities. not being made aware of report of the committee’s monthly information regularly passed down meeting to each society. The report Meantime, the committee has to organisations. will outline what work has been decided to have a mid-year general completed or is in train. meeting to give the opportunity for BMACHO’s secretary regularly BMACHO committee members to communicates information, on It is requested that this brief report hear a progress report and for decisions and objectives discussed be transmitted to individual society members to raise any matters of at committee meetings, the members through newsletters and/ concern. newsletter HERITAGE is published or placing it on notice boards. every two months, individual The next mid-year meeting will be members of the executive regularly The committee is also urging on Saturday, November 21 at a communicate with contact persons individual societies to include in venue and time to be advised. for all association members and their AGM agendas, space for their visit affiliated societies.

HERITAGE 2 September - October 2009 SHADOW MINISTER TO DISCUSS HERITAGE ISSUES WITH BMACHO The NSW coalition spokesman for Climate Change and Environmental heritage, the Hon Catherine Sustainability and is the Coalition’s Cusack, MLC, B Ec has accepted spokesperson for Heritage BMACHO’s invitation to discuss heritage issues at a meeting later The meeting will to be held at the this month. Grand View Hotel, Wentworth Falls commencing at 10am on Friday, Representatives from BMACHO September 25, 2009. affiliated organisation have been invited to participate in the meeting Morning tea will be served from and others interested in heritage will 9.45am and a light buffet lunch be welcome to attend. (sandwiches, coffee etc) will be available at the conclusion of the BMACHO has embarked on a meeting expected to be at 12 noon. program to better inform the community and government about To cover the cost of the meeting the need for more adequate room, morning tea and luncheon, a government funding for the charge of $18 per person for preservation and conservation of members of societies affiliated with our cultural heritage. Minister for Climate Change and BMACHO or $25 for non-members Environmental Sustainability, and will be charged. As part of this strategy, meetings Liberal spokesperson for Heritage, are to be held with leading The Hon. Catherine Cusack, B Ec, Bookings are essential and politicians from all political parties. MLC. cheques payable to BMACHO The objective of these meetings is should be mailed to Prof. Barrie to discuss with each political party Speaking in opposition to the Reynolds at 40 Hume Avenue, their heritage policies and hopefully Heritage Amendment Bill 2009, the Wentworth Falls 2781. have some input into future policies. shadow minister, said: “the bill is part of a long war against our For further information contact John At the first of these meetings the state’s heritage. “The independence Leary at guest speaker will be NSW Shadow of the State Heritage Council under [email protected] or a Coalition is offering the people of Barrie Reynolds at The making of NSW a renaissance in heritage [email protected] protection. our nation National Trust Heritage Festival “Our policy will establish important RAHS GRANT 2010’s theme will be ‘The making structural separation between the of our nation’, recognising Lachlan Heritage Council and the Minister FOR BMACHO Macquarie’s swearing in as the 5th for Planning.” The Royal Australian Historical governor of NSW 200 years ago. Society has advised BMACHO it Catherine Cusack joined the has been successful in a bid for a National Trust in 1982 and has Historical societies and community grant towards the cost of been active in heritage campaigns groups can register free of charge, producing the Journal of Blue over many years, including the their own events and take Mountains History. The RAHS Wintergarden at Rose Bay, the anti- advantage of national promotion of has made a grant of $850. the festival now in its 30th year. monorail rallies, the Royal Hospital for Women, the Florence Bartley Peter Rickwood has volunteered The festival runs between April 9 Library in Kings Cross, the “Save to be the editor of the Journal. and 24, 2010 and last year White City” campaign to preserve included over 400 community the historic centre courts and the He will be assisted by an editorial hosted events. continuing effort to preserve the board consisting of John Leary, Yasmar Estate at Haberfield. Ian Jack, Peter Stanbury, Barrie To register local events, complete Reynolds and Dr. Carol Liston of the online form at Catherine was elected to the NSW the Universityof Western Sydney. www.nationaltrust.com.au/events/ Legislative Council in 2003 and festival/registration2010 by Friday, immediately appointed to Shadow The Webmaster will be Peter November 13 or telephone Natalie Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Hughes, who created BMACHO’s Goss on (02) 9258 0181. Juvenile Justice and Shadow Website. Suggestions for events include Minister for Women. talks/lectures, exhibitions and Publication of the Journal is historical displays, tours, In 2007 she was appointed Shadow planned for mid-2010 educational competitions, open Minister for Fair Trading and days etc. recently Shadow Minister for

HERITAGE 3 September- October 2009 Lindsay brushed away the ‘wowsers’ Continued from page 1 with artlovers. For some Lindsay’s To a boy growing up in the gold classical themes have little mining town of Creswick, Victoria, the connection with a modern Australia lure of adventures on the high seas in and they find the notion of satyrs sailing ships must have been pursuing nymphs in a bluegum appealing. This early fascination with Arcadia somewhat incongruous. the sea would later translate into paintings of swashbuckling pirates However, as an advocate for a and the ship models made by vigorous Australian artistic culture - Lindsay. The roistering and rollicking so long as it included no modernists - adventures of the pudding begin Lindsay’s contribution cannot be when Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff ignored. The subject of his art saw become the Pudding’s owners by him identified with the freeing of stealing Albert and doing away with attitudes which was still the cook, Curry n Rice. This action overshadowed by the tight moral takes place on an iceberg after the corsets of Victorian society. Saltjunk Sarah is shipwrecked. Once back on dry land the old salts Lindsay was also the author of proceed to find adventure after thirteen novels, many of which he adventure. illustrated. His support of many young writers and poets was crucial to their In 1918 Angus and Robertson future successes. Lindsay would have been pleased published The Magic Pudding at an knowing that he baked an artistic issue price of 1 guinea - a price He was a prolific writer of articles and pudding big enough for everyone to Lindsay felt too high for young wrote some seven non-fiction books. enjoy and to inspire others further people. At that time Norman Lindsay Books of his art were usually creations. was renowned as the pre-eminent beautifully produced volumes which black and white artist for The Bulletin. have become collector’s items. BMACHO gratefully He was also the creator of art full of acknowledges the efforts of nudes which to many people showed To consider Lindsay having any spare Amanda Llewellyn, manager of his moral decrepitude. time after the constant making of art the Norman Lindsay Gallery and seems impossible. Museum who arranged for the Lindsay brushed aside any criticism - reproduction of this article by But he relaxed by building fine ship he was far too busy an artist to be Helen Glad and for approval to models and decorating the grounds concerned about the ‘wowsers”. That reprint the drawings on this and of his house at Springwood with he was also the creator of a book page 1. Norman Lindsay Gallery sculptures of nymphs, fauns and which captured the imagination of and Museum is a member of satyrs fashioned from cement. The children must have raised the BMACHO eyebrows of many and caused house and grounds of his home, concern in some circles. which are visited annually by thousands of visitors, are now run by LITHGOW’S CRIMES Lindsay was an extraordinarily prolific the National Trust of Australia (NSW). artist, working in diverse mediums. SCANDALS, & His black and white art included Perhaps Lindsay viewed himself a CORRUPTION little like Albert – the more he made cartoons for The Bulletin for over fifty The Scandals, Crime and the more you got. Throughout his years, completing his last in 1956. His Corruption exhibition being staged long life he remained enthusiastically pen and ink drawings were keenly in the Lithgow Library Learning creating art which still captures our sought by institutions and private Centre until September 30 has imagination. collectors. already attracted considerable interest. His etchings were also eagerly The Magic Pudding is now over 90 sought and his output in this most years old. In that time the recipe has The exhibition features historic difficult and taxing of print mediums changed little. Occasionally it is photographs, newspaper articles was prodigious. He entrusted the published in Spanish, French, and artefacts of local interest, printing of his plates to his wife Rose, Portuguese and even Japanese. including convict and Cold War who became a master printer Other variations to the recipe include material related to the gaol, essential to the high quality of his radio adaptations, serialisation in migrant hostel and landholdings in etchings. In all they produced over school magazines and marionette Lithgow. 370 different etched images. Rose and rod puppets. not only printed the etchings but Open Monday to Friday 9am to handled their sales throughout the The Magic Pudding has become 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am world. part of the Australian vernacular - to 12 noon admission is free. For with everything from the economy to further details His water-colour and oil paintings Sydney real estate being described www.learningcentre.lithgow.com remain as popular as they ever were as “a magic pudding”.

HERITAGE 4 September - October 2009 WIELDING THE WILLOW An historical reflection by John Low Recently, in the peaceful late hours of the evening while listening to the ABC coverage of the current Test series between Australia and England, I have found myself thinking about the old house in Springwood in which, for almost all of 20 years, I spent my working life.

‘Braemar’ is one of Springwood’s finest surviving 19th century buildings and an important part of the town’s architectural heritage.

Built in 1892 by Scottish immigrant and successful Sydney businessman James Hunter Lawson, it was restored as an ‘Braemar’ in the 1890s courtesy the Blue Mountains City Library’s Local Studies Collection. Australian Bicentennial project and opened as a public art gallery and details of its history I enjoyed a ‘Braemar’ was then leased and local history centre in 1988. growing familiarity with the people subsequently experienced a variety who had occupied its rooms and of uses, including hospital, private As local studies librarian my office given them life. home, doctor’s surgery and was in the front right-hand room, guesthouse. once a drawing room according to Erected initially as a private the original plans. residence, the Lawson family There was one tenant however who, eventually built several though residing there only briefly, Though I became very familiar with neighbouring homes and James particularly attracted my attention. the building over a long period of Hunter and his wife Emma moved time, I tried not to take it for next door sometime in the mid Sometimes when work got a bit granted. It was indeed a pleasant 1890s. tiresome, I would sit at my desk and place to work and as I learnt the reflect on the possibility that this man who had participated in events at a crucial moment in our sporting history might have relaxed in this very room, looking out at his garden and beyond the white picket fence to the far less regular and noisy traffic passing along the Western Road.

The man I am referring to was Thomas William Garrett (1858 - 1943), one of our early Test cricketers who had taken part in the metaphorical ‘cremation’ of English cricket at The Oval in August 1882.

It was about sixteen years later that Garrett, his wife Helen and their family of three girls and four boys arrived in Springwood, probably during the first half of 1898 after his retirement from first-class cricket. In August of that year the Nepean Times recorded his election as a vice-president of the Springwood Cricket Club.

Thomas Garrett was born in In this lovely old photograph of the Australian team, from the collection of the Wollongong on July 26, 1858, the Mitchell Library in Sydney, Garrett is seated fourth from the left in the front son of a politician and newspaper row. proprietor.

HERITAGE 5 September- October 2009 WIELDING THE WILLOW Continued from page 5

Educated at Newington College, he later studied law and was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court, eventually becoming registrar of probates in 1890, curator of intestate estates in 1896 and public trustee in 1914.

It was, however, his talent as a A recent image of ‘Braemar’ courtesy Marika Low cricketer that brought him to a wider public notice. After showing early from the burning of a wicket bail. 1905. In 1909-10, when Springwood ability at school, he went on to play The embroidered velvet bag that Cricket Club won the Nepean with distinction for both New South held the small pottery urn in which District premiership, three of Wales and Australia. they were kept was made by Anne Thomas’s sons were in the team, Fletcher whose husband later one of them as captain. In 1877 the 18-year-old Garrett was established a boys’ school in chosen to play for Australia in Katoomba. But that’s another story! Mother and daughters, too, were Melbourne against James reported in various capacities at Lillywhite’s team of professionals, a Bearded, tall and lean, Garrett was fetes organised by both Christ match that has come to be primarily recognised as a right-arm, Church (Anglican) and Springwood considered the first Test against slightly more than medium pace Ladies College where the girls England. bowler with an ability to swing the attended school. ball either way. He went on to tour England three Thomas Garrett also acted as times – in 1878, 1882 and 1886 – But he was no slouch with the bat honorary auditor for a number of and represented Australia in seven and also proved a shrewd and local organisations including the Test series at home, scoring 339 successful captain of New South Anglican Church, the Progress runs and taking 36 wickets. Wales. At the age of 38 in 1897 he Association and the School of Arts. scored 131 runs against a South On the 1882 tour of England Garrett Australian team that included the The family left Springwood and played in the famous Test at The champion fast bowler Ernest Jones. returned to Sydney sometime Oval that saw Australia defeat around 1912. Garrett, the last England for the first time on English Thomas Garrett and his family survivor of the 1882 Australian soil. appear to have resided in team, died at Warrawee on August Springwood for a period of about 6,1943 at the age of 85. Fellow participants in that match ten years. included the legendary W. G. Grace Springwood’s associations with (England) and ‘the Demon bowler’ When they first arrived in 1898 they cricket go back to its earliest days, F. R. Spofforth (Australia). August occupied ‘Braemar’, on what was with the first matches being played company indeed! then the Western Road east of the there probably in the 1870s. town centre. By 1908, they had During the tense final overs, as the moved to the western end of the Over the years the town’s cricket game swung Australia’s way, a town, to another small but ground at Lomatia Park has been heart attack claimed one spectator substantial country villa named the focus of some intense and and when the last wicket fell the ‘Stanway’. spirited sporting contests. crowd was stunned. England was seven runs short of victory! During their time in Springwood, Nor was Thomas Garrett the last of judging by reports of their activities the town’s links with the wider world In its next issue the Sporting Times in the Springwood news columns of of cricket for Nathan Bracken, a reported the death of English the Nepean Times, the Garretts product of Springwood High School, cricket. “The body”, it declared, “will were actively involved in the life of now plays regularly for Australia in be cremated and the ashes taken to the community. the ‘One-Day’ and ‘20-20’ versions Australia.” of the game. Father and sons were members of It was during the subsequent both the cricket and rugby football John Low is the former local English tour of Australia in the clubs. Thomas served as a vice history librarian, Blue Mountains southern summer of 1882-83 that president of both and also helped to City Council and an individual the actual ‘Ashes’ were created establish a golf club in the town in member of BMACHO.

HERITAGE 6 September - October 2009 A model T Ford gives way to historic steam tram at Valley Heights Loco Depot Museum

Members of the Model T Ford Club posed for a staged level crossing scene under controlled conditions at Valley Heights during a visit earlier in the year. Photograph courtesy Peter Butler The former Sydney steam tram Following the fire, the society was Castle Hill, Campbelltown-Camden motor no. 103A, a Baldwin 11676 unable to gain approval to re- and Sutherland-Cronulla. pictured above is one of a number establish in Parramatta Park. In of restored historic transport relics 1997 the society was invited to The Sydney and Newcastle systems to be found at the Valley Heights move into the Valley Heights were eventually electrified but the Locomotive Depot Heritage Locomotive Depot Heritage others, including three isolated lines Museum. Museum and again took the in Sydney, Sutherland-Cronulla, initiative to complete the task of Arncliffe-Bexley and Kogarah-Sans It was the last steam tram motor in ensuring the steam tram Souci, were steam worked until their service on the NSW government preservation project would continue. closure. tramways when withdrawn from service in 1937. It was a special day for members of The Campbelltown-Camden and the Steam Tram and Railway East Maitland-Morpeth lines were It then had an extended period in Preservation Society, on September eventually operated as light industrial service. It served on the 16, 2005 when tram motor no 103A railways and used steam tram Sydney Ferries Redbank Wharf was officially returned to service motors for a period of their tramway from 1937 to 1943, then following a 12-year rebuild. existence. became a shunter at Waddington Limited (later Commonwealth Since 1954 the society has The “motors” as the locomotives are Engineering Ltd) works at Granville laboured long to ensure the called were of a standard design, from 1943 to 1953. remaining relics of the once introduced by the Baldwin extensive NSW steam tram network Locomotive Works and 100 came Sydney steam tram motor 103A, were saved from neglect. That from that firm. The remainder were built 1891, operated at the legacy for future generations will be built locally, either by contractors or Parramatta Park Steam Tramway a genuine operating steam tram. in the Tramway Department’s until the arson attack at the workshops. museum in June 1993. In 1879, steam operated tramways were introduced in Sydney, under The Valley Heights Locomotive The fire destroyed most rolling the control of the Railway Depot Heritage Museum is the Blue stock, and 103A’s wooden cab was Commissioner. Mountains Division of the NSW Rail incinerated at this time but the Transport Museum. The museum is remainder of the loco was salvaged Similarly operated systems were located in the former Locomotive for restoration and moved to Valley later used in Newcastle, Maitland, Depot at Valley Heights. Heights, where a new cab has been Broken Hill and between East built. Maitland-Morpeth, Parramatta- Continued page 8

HERITAGE 7 September- October 2009 VALLEY HEIGHTS STEAM LOCO DEPOT Continued from page 7 The museum preserves the depot buildings, the rail heritage of the Blue Mountains, and at the same time providing historical, educational and recreational facilities for the benefit of the Blue Mountains community and visitors to the region.

The society’s goal is to operate the Steam Tramway in conjunction with the activities of the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, Tusculum Road, Valley Heights.

The society is also custodian of two small steam shunting locomotives and railway carriages. Some of this rolling stock is in various stages of restoration, while some is available for operation. Valley Heights steam locomotive depot circa 1950. Black coal smoke from the depot could be seen for miles The museum’s open days are the According to Valley Heights resident second and fourth Sundays of each Mr. Clyde Bruce, fledgling pilots in Shooting through month (except Mothers Day and the the late 1940s and early 1950s last Sunday in December) between used the depot as a bearing on their Sydney by Tram 10am and 4pm. Information flight path as they headed west from exhibition regarding the society can be Sydney. Smoke from the depot The Sydney Museum located on obtained from our website: could easily be seen from a height the corner of Bridge and Phillip www.infobluemountains.net.au/ of a few thousand feet and was an Streets, Sydney is staging, locodepot/tram ideal location to be used as a sight for their bearings “Shooting through Sydney by BMACHO gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Valley Heights Tram” an exhibition depicting the Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, Andrew. Tester, Peter Stock, Valley 100 year history of Sydney’s Heights Springwood Historical Society and Steam Tram and Railway trams from 1861 to 1961. Preservation (Co-op) Society Limited in the preparation of this article. The exhibition runs until October EDITOR’S ANECDOTE...... 18, 2009.

THE IRON MONSTER…. Bulletin in which was published a The museum opens daily from Probably my oldest memory, was of photograph and story of my “iron 9.30am to 5pm. Admission costs an “iron monster” – a steam tram monster”, exactly like my memory. $10 for adults, $5 for a child or motor on a street somewhere in concession and $20 for a family. Sydney when I was probably about The Springwood Historical Society 4 or 5 years old. Bulletin recorded that this “monster” was the last steam tram motor in Most of my life, I have had this vivid service on the government image in my mind of a scary iron tramways when withdrawn in 1937. monster, which my father had taken me to see for a Sunday family I recall my fathers words were: outing. “Come on Johnny don’t be scared , you’ll never see this monster again,” Try as I might for many years I had and so it was; as apparently it was tried to find anyone who could give the last day the service would run. me an explanation of this iron Although not on the last run, the monster, which I knew ran on rails 103A was the last to leave Kogarah down the middle of the street, before the motors were returned to shrouded in steam and as a Randwick workshops. youngster had scared the’ living daylights’ out of me This grand old survivor, the “iron monster” of my boyhood days has Then all those years later in June come back into my life in my twilight 2006, I picked up a copy of the years. John Leary, OAM. Springwood Historical Society

HERITAGE 8 September - October 2009 MULGOA BICENTENARY GRANT FOR WORK This year marks the 200th anniversary of the grant of land at ON TURKISH BATH Mulgoa by Lt Governor Paterson to 4 year old Edward Cox on November 1, 1809, confirmed by Governor Macquarie on January1, 1810.

The settlement of the Mulgoa Valley began with the building of The Cottage in 1810. William Cox’s three sons George, Henry and Edward lived at The Cottage before developing their own properties: Winbourne (1824), Glenmore (1825) and Fernhill (1842). With St. Thomas’ Church (1836-1838), these buildings reflect the early pioneering phase of prosperity, evolution of architectural styles and Restoration work on the Turkish the social and religious aspirations timber louvers on the decorative Bath at Mt Wilson will be carried of the Cox family. roof tower located on the eastern out during 2010 as a result of a side of the Turkish Bath. successful grant application to the To celebrate the bicentenary of the NSW Department of Planning, The work is scheduled to take first land grants in the Mulgoa Heritage Branch by Mt Wilson and place between June and August Valley, various activities have been Mt Irvine Historical Society. 2010 and it is planned to close the planned by Mulgoa Progress museum during the period of Association for Saturday, November The society will contribute $16,000 construction. 7, commencing at 10 am. towards the project to match the $16,000 grant. The work will Work to install lead moulding The festivities will be opened by Her involve the replacement of flashing at the base of the original Excellency Professor Marie Bashir galvanised corrugated roof entrance doorway has recently AC CVO, Governor of New South sheeting; and the painting of four been completed. Wales at 11 am in Mulgoa Park.

There will be activities in Mulgoa BOOK REVIEW Park (Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa) The Burning Mists of Time: A The book will be welcomed as a including displays of vintage cars, Technological and Social History valuable contribution to the history old motor bikes, antique machinery, of Mining at Katoomba of the region and is also easy to Sydney Colonial Muzzle Loading read. Club, Nepean Historical Society and by Philip J.Pells activities by local schools. & Philip There are absorbing excursions into J.Hammon byways, such as accounts of cooking recipes and medicine in The Mulgoa Progress Association WriteLight Pty mid-19th century Katoomba, that will conduct tours to the grounds of Ltd, Sydney, add to the work. Fernhill, Winbourne, Fairlight and 2009. $60. Glenleigh (garden and interior). An attractively presented book, Buses will leave from the Mulgoa ISBN 978 profusely illustrated with excellent Hall in Mulgoa Park, Littlefields 09775639 6 8 colour and black & white historical Road, Mulgoa (10 km south of and recent photographs as well as Penrith) at 1 pm. Inspections by bus This book covers the geological and careful plans and maps to explain only. Cost: $25 per person. technological aspects of early shale the geology and mining activities. Bookings: Send cheques, made mining in the Katoomba region and Well worth buying. payable to Mulgoa Progress the history of the people involved. It Association, PO Box 71, Mulgoa also provides fascinating inform- Barrie Reynolds 2745, with a stamped addressed ation on early life in Katoomba, as (Also to be published in the return envelope and telephone well as elsewhere in New South newsletter of the Blue Mountains contact details. For further Wales, and an interesting account Historical Society) information contact Kerry Spurrett, of the emergence of Scenic World, [email protected] now the outstanding tourism attraction that occupies the site.

HERITAGE 9 September- October 2009 DESCENDANTS HAVE LIVED ON KURRAJONG SITE FOR 184 YEARS This article and images have been contributed by Mrs Kathie McMahon-Noff who was born on the same property that she now lives on and which has been owned by her ancestors since 1838.

Kathie and Louise McMahon were founding members of Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Society originally formed to document the history of Kurrajong. The society now has a website and nearly 5000 images of the district.

Her “first love” is the history of Australian music. Kathie who is currently BMACHO’s treasurer has had a very interesting life including working in leprosy colonies in New Guinea, after completing her training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Kathie McMahon, a descendant of a cart and harness at Kurrajong to his moonlight hikes and great food. It convict, Thomas Higgins, lives on sister Mary McMahon in 1839. By was noted for its fresh cream, butter land which has been continuously in then the estate was valued at one and milk all produced on this the ownership of her ancestors for hundred pounds. property. 184 years. John and Mary McMahon who were Throughout the years produce had On June 30, 1823,Thomas Hinton, free settlers sailed on the “Charles always been sold at Bellbird Echo. also a convict, was granted 50 Kerr” from Limerick, Ireland on It started in the 1920s when the acres at Kurrajong known as September 15, 1838 and arrived in McMahon’s neighbour D’arcy Portion 161 which he sold to Sydney on January 8, 1839. Douglas started selling fruit on the Higgins on May 9, 1825 for twenty side of Bells Line of Road, pounds. They originally settled on Portion Kurrajong Hills. 161 near the creek close to Mill Born in 1791, Thomas Higgins was Road. With the formation of Bells Mrs Marie McMahon in the 1930s convicted of shooting a British Line of Road they moved up beside and 1940s always had a stall at the soldier and was sentenced to 7 the road and built a small slab weekends selling the fruit and years servitude. He arrived on the house called Luckenough vegetables from the farm. “Surry” in November, 1816. He was later proved innocent of the offence. John and Mary McMahon’s eldest Her husband Kevin tells a story of daughter stayed on at Luckenough. how in 1947, his neighbour, Les In about 1831, Higgins donated 2 John and Mary’s youngest son Taylor brought him 4 half cases and acres of Portion 161 to the Church Thomas moved onto 100 acres at four full cases of oranges to sell of England. This was on the corner “Dural View” on Comleroy Road. and they were all sold by the end of of Bells Line of Road and Hermitage Thomas’s third child James Edward the day. Rd. and it became the first moved back to Luckenough when denominational church and school he married Marie Norris. Here they This Bellbird Echo Fruit Shop in the Kurrajong Brush. raised 5 children and they built the became a landmark for travellers Bellbird Echo Guest House in the from Sydney to purchase local fruit Thomas Higgins also owned several late 1920’s during the depression. and vegetables. other properties. He willed the farm Portion 161 together with 3 cows in The guest house was a place where In the late 1940s Kevin planted an calf, a black horse “Captain” and a people enjoyed horse riding, tennis, orchard of oranges, lemons, apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums to supplement the shop. Kevin also purchased produce from local farmers.

Mr McMahon also had a wattle bark business. The black wattles which thrive in the Kurrajong area had a very high tannin content and the bark was much sought after by the leather tanneries. Kevin McMahon with Brian Dunston and dogs took the wattle bark to the tannery every Thursday and stopped at the Parramatta fruit and vegetable markets on the way home to D’arcy Douglas selling fruit on his Kurrajong roadside stall with helpers supplement their fruit supply for the including Kevin McMahon (the author’s father) then aged about 10 years. All the shop. Continued page 7 fruit is in old type heavy wooden fruit boxes.

HERITAGE 10 September - October 2009 THINKING HERITAGE: Many members will recall that • The placing on-line of the BMACHO was created in response substantial backlog of to concerns expressed at the Local heritage site records is History Conference held in very close to completion Katoomba in 2005 regarding the and, we understand, is parlous state of heritage services almost ready to be within the City of Blue Mountains forwarded to State As a direct result of this concern, Heritage; it should then the new City Cultural Strategy become available to the (2006-2011) included, for the first public. This backlog had time ever, a substantial heritage built up over many years. component (30%). “Two important tasks remain: the “This was only made possible by formation of a community heritage Barrie Reynolds BMACHO working in close advisory committee and the BMACHO’s view is that the cooperation with the different creation of the post of heritage committee should involve the historical societies across the city officer, Barrie Reynolds said. different societies, museums and and we are grateful for their similar bodies thus enabling them help”,BMACHO secretary, Prof “We do not understand why there to have a direct input into council Barrie Reynolds said this week. has been such reluctance on the heritage matters. part of council staff to move on the “Understandably, over the past first issue. There is little cost “The other key task is the three years BMACHO has devoted involved. Action was approved by appointment of a heritage officer. much time and effort to pressing the general manager two years ago Obviously, this would involve costs. council to rebuild and strengthen its and council staff has even agreed At the same time, it is evident that a heritage services. As a result: on a planning meeting for the qualified and committed heritage drafting of the terms of reference of officer is essential if council is to • There is now one council the committee. have a dynamic heritage unit and staff member designated to provide the Blue Mountains handle any queries on “Numerous successive ‘reasons’ community with effective heritage heritage. have been given us during 2008 services. and 2009 for postponement of any • The heritage advisor action on the matter. Indeed, more “Most of the matters mentioned position has been time has probably been spent on above should be completed by the reinstated (the advisor these ‘reasons’ than would be end of 2009. This would then free deals with development involved in the planning meeting us to concentrate on the matter of applications). itself. We have now requested the the heritage officer as our prime meeting take place within concern in dealings with council September. during 2010.” First school in the Kurrajong Brush built in 1837 In about 1831 Thomas Higgins should be incurred in the erection The school was built in 1836 at either sold or donated 2 acres of of Huts containing two rooms and Hermitage Rd, Kurrajong Heights Portion 161 to the Church of a skelling each, to be occupied as by E.E. Lord at a cost of £200. The England. places of instruction for the building also served as a church children and as Residences for and school until St Stephens This land was on the corner of the Teachers: it will also be Church was built in 1873 at Bells Line of Road and Hermitage reasonable that about 1/2 acre of Kurrajong’.3 Road and it became the first land to be employed as a garden denominational church and school should be attached to each 1 Kathie McMahon McMahon Family.160 in the Kurrajong Brush. Dwelling House and fenced with a substantial three rail fence. years in the Kurrajong Brush Vivienne Webb describes the 2 Webb, Vivienne (1980) Kurrajong. An history of the Church of England The salary of the Masters Early History. Published by author. 1 Denominational School : according to the present 3 Reminiscences of Richmond - S Regulations will be £30 per Boughton Application was made to the annum with an allowance of three 4 A photograph of this school may exist in Government in1831 by Bishop pence per week for each child the Mitchell Library. Broughton for a Parochial School actually in attendance and of £10 for boys and girls in the Curryjong: per annum to each school “In all these cases it will be Mistress for instructing the Girls in requisite that some expense Needlework.’2

HERITAGE 11 September- October 2009 Surveyors Institute members Welcome to Mid impressed by Mt Wilson’s Scrivener Mountains exhibition material Historical Society The Mid Mountains Historical Society is the latest organisation to join the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations. This society has done considerable historical research on the township of Lawson. It has also been involved over a number of years in negotiations with the RTA and Blue Mountains City Council in a bid to save the Lawson’s Mechanics Institute threatened by highway widening. POSITIONS VACANT Volunteer Required

Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Kathy and Ray Harrington recently found the photograph in the National Heritage Museum Library of Australia of Charles Robert Scrivener sitting by the steam engine at the Mt Irvine sawmill. Volunteers are required to work in Material used in the Charles Robert Society has been negotiating with a the Valley Heights Locomotive Scrivener, 1855-1923, Capital number of groups with the aim of Depot Museum shop. Surveyor exhibition at Mt Wilson is having the exhibition on permanent being sought for displays in display in Canberra. Some experience with Cash Canberra and Sydney. handling, Catering, Food handling Born in Canterbury in south west of or Customer Service experience In 2001, the Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine Sydney, Scrivener was appointed would be an advantage but is not Historical Society mounted a major the first director of Commonwealth essential. All training will be exhibition on the life and work of CR Lands and Surveys in 1910 and provided. Scrivener who is best known for his retired in 1915. work in surveying numerous sites in The role involves ticket sales to NSW for the selection of a site for The Scrivener Dam on Lake Burley customers, retail sales of the the Australian Capital Territory and Griffin is named in his honour. museum’s range of souvenirs and Canberra. memorabilia, as well as Reporting to members of Mt Wilson refreshments including coffee/tea He also surveyed the Mt Irvine area & Mt Irvine Historical Society, and light snacks. We are looking for as well as the access road across president Des Barrett stated that diligent and reliable people with a Bowen’s Creek from Bilpin. members of the Institution of friendly, outgoing nature who like Surveyors NSW as well as their dealing with people. Between 2002 and 2004 the Seniors Group and the Canberra exhibition travelled to the RTA Division of the Institution were all The museum is open on the second headquarters at Parramatta, Mt delighted with what they saw of the and fourth Sundays of each month, Tomah Gardens and the Fossil and exhibition material and expressed as well as additional Sundays Mineral Museum in Bathurst. their wish to see the material during public holidays from 10am to displayed both in Canberra and 4pm. Volunteers working in the The material has been in storage at Sydney. shop would be expected to be Mt Wilson for some time now as the available from 8.30am to The display will be used, subject to approximately 4.30pm on open a number of conditions being met, days. You will be expected to be WALKS & TALKS in a number of important milestones available to be rostered every 2nd or Glenbrook and District Historical leading up to the centenaries of the 3rd open day. Society’s Walks and Talks ACT-NSW border survey and the program for Saturday, September survey of Canberra itself. If you feel you could fulfill this 26 is titled Dunn’s Sawmill site, voluntary opportunity and would be The above image appeared in the Lennox Bridge. For further August 2009 Newsletter No 20 of the interested in trying something new, information Mt Historical & Mt IrvineSociety. please contact our Retail Manager, [email protected] Steve Corrigan on 4759 1980 or [email protected]

HERITAGE 12 September - October 2009 Wallerawang and Charles Darwin The visit of Charles Darwin to Wallerawang is thought so important that the Lithgow branch of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) has built a memorial to the acclaimed scientist, Charles Darwin. Darwin was a diligent man who kept extensive diaries and note books. From these it is possible to appreciate much of his journey and the locations that he described.

Within the context of a five year voyage in the Beagle , the few days he spent at Wallerawang may seem insignificant. However, they had a profound influence on Darwin’s thinking about evolution.

He collected a range of specimens and samples at the location and when Darwin first saw the platypus it must have been [at] work; their object however has been prompted one of the most significant entries in his diary. the same and certainly in each case the end is “Earlier in the evening I had been lying on a sunny bank complete”. [of the Cox’s River] and was reflecting on the strange REFERENCES character of the animals of this country as compared to Charles Darwin in Australia FW & JM Nicholas, Cambridge the rest of the world. A disbeliever in everything beyond University Press 2008 and Charles Darwin: An Australian his reason, might exclaim, ‘Surely two distinct Creators Selection. National Museum of Australia Press 2008 BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. REGISTERED OFFICE 40 Hume Avenue, MEMBERSHIP The following organisations are Wentworth Falls 2782 members of BMACHO: Blue Mountains City Library, E-mail: [email protected] Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc., Blue Mountains Website: www.bluemountains.heritage Family History Society Inc., Blue Mountains Tourism THE ORGANISATION Blue Mountains Limited, Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, Association of Cultural Organisations Inc. Cudgegong Museums Group, Friends of Everglades, (BMACHO) was established in April 2006 following Friends of Norman Lindsay Gallery, Glenbrook & a unanimous response to a proposal from Prof. District Historical Society, Kurrajong-Comleroy Barrie Reynolds at the 2004 Blue Mountains Local Historical Society Inc, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort, History Conference which sought from Blue Lithgow Mining Museum, Lithgow Regional Library – Mountains City Council the creation of a cultural Local Studies, Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum, heritage strategy for the city. Mid-Mountains Historical Society, Mid Western Regional Council Library, Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, BMACHO in its constitution uses the definition: Mt Victoria and District Historical Society Inc., Mt “Cultural heritage is all aspects of life of the peoples Wilson and Mt Irvine History Society (including Turkish of the Blue Mountains which was later changed to Bath Museum), Mudgee Historical Society, Mudgee cover Lithgow and the villages along the Bell’s Line Regional Library, National Trust of Australia (NSW) - of Roads. It therefore involves the recording, Blue Mountains Branch (including Woodford Academy), preserving and interpreting of information in National Trust of Australia (NSW) - Lithgow Branch), whatever form: documents, objects, recorded Scenic World – Blue Mountains Limited, Springwood & memories as well as buildings and sites.” District Historical Society Inc., Springwood Historians, Two Centuries of Elegance, Valley Heights Locomotive The objectives of the organisation are Depot and Museum, Zig Zag Railway. The following are individual members: Ms Wendy Carlson, Ray i. To raise public consciousness of Christison, Ms Pamela Hubert, Associate Professor Ian the value of cultural heritage. Jack, John Leary OAM, John Low, Professor Barrie Reynolds, and Dr Peter Stanbury OAM. ii. To encourage and assist cultural heritage activities of member COMMITTEE The committee for 2009-10 is: John organisations. Leary, (president) Ian Jack (vice president), Barrie Reynolds (secretary), Kathie McMahon (treasurer), iii. To initiate and support cultural Jean Arthur, Ray Christison, Lyn Fowler, Doug Knowles, heritage activities not already covered by and Dick Morony (public officer), Peter Stanbury. member organisations. AUDITOR: Sue McMahon, B Comm CPA One of the aims of BMACHO is to bring the various bodies into closer contact, to encourage them to AFFILIATIONS BMACHO is a member of the Royal work more closely together and to provide a Australian Historical Society Inc. combined voice on matters of importance within the heritage sector. HERITAGE is BMACHO’s official newsletter.

HERITAGE 13 September- October 2009