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Newsletter of BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Inc.

P 0Box17, WENTWORTH FALLS NSW 2782 Hobby's Reach, 99 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls Website: http://www.infobluemountains.net.au/bmhs Telephone: (02) 4757 3824 Fax: (02) 4757 3974 I Volume 19 Number 1 April - May 20071

FEBRUARY 2007 EXCURSION Contributed l?J Jo Adam WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE! This excursion was described as 'An exploration of the early tourist areas of Reids Plateau. Excellent views from vantage points around '. Monday 12 February, 2007 dawned The rain abated ever so wet and bleak after heavy rain slightly. Our leader gathered his overnight. However, a little yellow sun flock and off we trooped, peeping above black clouds on the umbrellas aloft. Oh the weather page of the Sydnry Morning excitement when swirling mist Herald held promise of 'decreasing allowed occasional glimpses of showers'. At the appointed starting tumbling water of Witches time of 1Oam, nine BMHS stalwarts Leap as we had not seen or gathered around leader, Jack Austin, heard for years. Those who in the relative luxury of the bus shelter ventured (some a second time) at Katoomba Falls. There we enjoyed to view Katoomba Cascades morning tea while Jack explained the may have been stupid? keen? many delightful vantage points nearby. brave? Whatever they were, Outside our comfort zone the rain they felt well rewarded as can pelted down. Mists swirled about. The be seen by Margaret's photo. trek to the toilets proved that this day The rain continued unabated. would test the best wet-weather gear After our brief foray on as well as its occupant. It was now a tracks that had become little before 11am and the big question watercourses where else was was - 'what are we going to do for the there to go but into Katoomba next two hours until our booked lunchtime at nearby Falls Kiosk. In we straggled, an hour early, wet and Katoomba Falls Kiosk?' bedraggled. The grand old Kiosk had experienced it all before in times past, when it used to rain just like this. Not so the new owner who appeared quite bemused. Later, at the appointed time of 12.30pm we were joined by five others (the sensible ones?). Lunch was enjoyed by all. We never did see the little yellow sun promised by weather forecasters. Instead Katoomba topped the state with 127mm of rain recorded on this our February 2007 excursion day. As for 'excellent views from vantage points', had it been a fine day we could have visited a dozen or so lookouts on Reids Plateau.

Hoblry's Outreach Apnt-Mt!Y 2007 NOTES FROM EXCURSION - Reids Plateau, Katoomba Notes compiled ry Jo Adam Reids Plateau: Small plateau bounded by Cliff Drive, and cliffs to the east, south and west, located south of Katoomba Park and dividing Witches Leap and Katoomba Falls. The Sydnry Mail 6 September 1905 records 'Reid's Platform named after the ex-Federal Premier'. George Houstoun Reid (1845-1918) Prime Minister of , 18 August 1904-5 July 1905. Premier of NSW 3 August 1894-14 September 1899. Reids Plateau consists of a number of lookouts and nearby is the start/ finish of walks to Katoomba Falls. Katoomba Falls: Waterfall on the where the river flows over the escarpment at Katoomba into the below. A tributary originates as a spring under the grounds of the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba. Aboriginal name for falling waters. Height of falls 55m. Above the falls is the Katoomba Cascades. Waterfall shown on the Parish of Megalong September 1876, no name shown. Photo by Nicholas Caire c1878 titled The Crushers Waterfall. The falls mentioned (no name) in The Railwqy Guide of NSW, 1879, p48. On the 11May1880 a petition was taken up from citizens to make Katoomba Falls a public area. On the 12 May 1880 John Hurley MLC in parliament made a motion that all papers, plans, petitions and copies of original surveys be tabled, motion agreed. Track to Second Falls, Katoomba Falls suggested on the 8 September 1899 as recorded in The Mountaineer NewJpaper. Ref. Sydnry Morning Herald 12 May 1880. Duke and Duchess of York Lookout: Named after the Duke and Duchess of York who were later to become King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth. Sydnry Morning Herald 1 and 2 April 1927 record Duke and Duchess of York visiting Katoomba. Part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Mentioned as part of the opening of the walk in The Katoomba Dai!J 28 October 1934. Previously called Katoomba Falls Lookout. Views across to . The Watch Tower Lookout: A descriptive name to the small near round rock formation standing like a Watch Tower over the valley. Views over Pitts Amphitheatre and Mount Solitary. Ref: Australasian Traveler7January1907. Mount Solitary: 919m. Located on the eastern end of Ridge. Boundary of Jamison, Cedar and Kedumba Valleys, Katoomba. Descriptive name given to its isolated position. Earliest recorded name for this feature is Solitary Mountain 1October1831. Shown as Solitary Mount on the Map of Katoomba in The Pictorial Guide to the Blue Mountains by J Russell, 1882. The Katoomba Times 29 August 1891 describes hiking trip to Mount Solitary and the Ruined Castle. Other names recorded include Mt Isolation, Isolated Mountain, Corowal, Mount Korrowall, Lone Mountain and Govetts Point. Orphan Lookout: Directly overlooking Orphan Rock. Named by Keith Roland Painter being a descriptive term given to the view of Orphan Rock. Name recorded October 1994. Ref Prince Henry Cliff Walk by Keith Painter. Orphan Rock: Large isolated rock formation below the main cliff line and located on the eastern side of the Scenic Railway. Walking track to Orphan Rock was opened in 1934 and closed about 1958 due to the fear of falling rocks. The photo by Nicholas Caire 1879 describes as 'situa~ed on the estate of JG Neale so named on account of the solitary mass of Basaltic rock standing on end surrounded with trees and foliage it being on private property but few persons are aware of its existence'. Nicholas Caire got it wrong, the rock being sedimentary. Corner Lookout: Descriptive name given by Keith Roland Painter. Named October 1994. Described in Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Witches Leap through the mist and rain by Keith Painter, 1994, p63. Views across to Vanimans Lookout. Walking access from opposite Katoomba Park, Cliff Drive. Witches Leap: Waterfall feeding into Kedumba River, flowing over the cliff between Vanimans Lookout and Reids Plateau, Katoomba. Descriptive term to rock formation over which the water flows. 'Leap' being an old Scottish word for waterfall. Shown on the Map of Katoomba in The Pictorial Guide to the Blue Mountains, by J. Russell, 1882. Best view is (rom Round Walk, Katoomba. Spelt in most tourist guides pre 1900 as The Witches Leap, or The Witch's Leap and described as a picturesque little waterfall. Previously called Fern Gully Falls. Juliets Balcony: A lookout on a rocky bluff. Descriptive name from Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. Juliets Balcony was named when the Federal Pass was officially opened 3 November 1900. Mentioned in The Mountaineer Illustrated Tourists' Guide to the Blue Mountaim; 1903, p 73. Excellent views of Katoomba Falls. This used to be where the track branched off to the Orphan Rock Lookout. Ref. The Mountaineer 24 December 1902. Continued on page 9

Hobfry's Outreach 2 April-May 2007 WALKS & TALKS EXCURSIONS are generally held outdoors and SATURDAY MEETINGS with guest speaker may involve walking over uneven surfaces. l t commence promptly at 10.30am. is important to wear suitable shoes and clothing Tea/coffee and biscuits available from 10am. appropriate to weather conditions and terrain. Tarella Cottage shop open from 1Oam. Excursions are seldom cancelled. Check with Light lunch available after meeting. leader if in doubt. Briefings are given at the Research Room open with a researcher in Saturday meeting prior to excursions. attendance. Library open for members to select and return Co-ORDINATOR: Position Vacant ® books.

Saturday MEETING 10am for 10.30am - Speaker: Mari Metzke on the subject of 'Local history: 31 You're standing in it!' March Thursday EXCURSION - Hawkes bury River (This excursion was programmed to follow Geoff Sadler's 19 November 2006 talk titled 'The river Phillip sought: the history of the Hawkesbury'. The April excursion had to be hurriedly cancelled. It's on again and we are hoping for better weather this time around.) Our transport will be by Comunity Access Bus. We will see examples of early settlement from Richmond to Wisemans Ferry and in the early afternoon we will cruise aboard 'Leisure Lass' and enjoy a delicious Devonshire tea on board. 'Leisure Lass' is a boat similar to the supply boats that transported the settlers, their provisions and produce in early days. Cost: $30. Bookings with payment Saturday 31 March meeting. Tour leader: Geoff Sadler, phone 4 782 1402 Saturday MEETING 10am for 10.30am- Speaker: Dr Sue Rosen on the subject of 'Building Major 5 Mitchell's road to Bathurst'. What does the saga of it's construction tell us about the road- May making process and the technology available in the 1830s? What does it tell us about the colonial administration and their competence as a developer of colonial infrastructure? The politics and circumstances of the construction of Mitchell's new line of descent down Mt Victoria as it impacted on road builclip.g efficiencies and the management of the recidivist convict labour force are explored. Issues associated with the management of the convict workforce and the implementation of penal methodologies together with their impact on the construction process are also examined. Dr Sue Rosen is the Director of a heritage consultancy with some nineteen years experience mostly immersed in the early colonial period. She is also the author of a number of publications Thursday EXCURSION - Little Hartley and Hartley Vale. Transport will be by Community Access 17 Bus departing Hobby's Reach at 9 .30am. Morning tea (BYO) will be at Mt York, overlooking May the Hartley Valley. We then proceed to Hartley Vale via the Darling Causeway .and Hartley Pass. There we see the remains of the shale oil works, the Comet Inn and Collit's Inn. On to Little Hartley to look at the old buildings originally built as inns for travellers on Mitchell's road to the west. After lunch at the Talisman Gallery we visit Billesdene Grange. The owner, Marcia Osterberg-Olsen, has kindly agreed to show us her house and early apple cold store and she will give us an illustrated account of the early history of Little Hartley. Arrive back at Hobby's Reach at approximately 3.30pm. Cost: $25 per person includes transport and lunch of soup and filled roll or quiche and salad, slice and coffee .or tea. Bookings and payment to be made on or before Historical Society meeting on Saturday 5 May. Limit of 20 people. Leaders: Valerie and Brian Craven, phone 4757 3433, mobile 0408 57 3433.

Continued on page 4

Hobby } Outreach 3 ApriJ-Mqy 2007 Walks & Talks - Continued from page 3

Saturday MEETING 1Oam for 10.30am - 'Treasures of the Society' - Enter Tarella's Aladdin's Cave 2 with Susan Warmbath and find out some little known facts about a few of the treasures. June View our Society's rare photographic images presented by Graham Warmbath.

Wednesday EXCURSION - The Conservatorium of Music, Sydney. 13 The excursion commences with a concert by the Conservatorium choir at 1.1Opm in the June Verbrugghen Hall. I have been advised 'this will be a wonderful treat'. After the concert there are light refreshments followed by a tour of the building. Please meet at the front door of the Conservatorium at 1pm. Leave by 8.34 or 9.34am train from Wentworth Falls Lunch in the Botanic Gardens - Bring or buy. More information at the time of booking. Cost-$10 which has to be collected at the May meeting as payment has to be sent to the Conservatorium prior to the excursion. Thank you. Leader - Susan Warmbath, phone 47573402.

© Position Vacant: Co-ordinator - Walks & Talks Programme

CRAFT SHOW: SATURDAY 14 & SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2007 Planning for the Craft Show weekend is well on the way with several craftsmen accepting our invitation to display. We have demonstrations by: Lois Sabine - crochet, Isobel Lancashire - quilting, Stephanie Packham -tatting, representatives from the spinners group and the renowned wood-working group. This is sure to be a super weekend. Roster for Open Days: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 April

SATURDAY SUNDAY SIGNS Out: 9.30am In: 3.30pm Out: 9.30am In: 3.30pm EAST 1. J Glass 1. J Glass 1. G Miller 1. G Miller West 2. G Warmbath 2. G Warmbath 2. G Warmbath 2. G Warmbath GATE 9.45am -1pm 12.45-4pm 9.45am -1pm 12.45-4pm R Toseland B Henson G Sadler - KITCHEN V Craven - C Miller J Clarke M Glass - D Gilham - TARELLA 1. S Warmbath 1. D Jones 1. S Warmbath 1. D Jones 2. F Shellard 2. S Stimson 2. - 2. J Wigan 3. K Paskin 3. S Warmbath 3. - 3. S Warmbath 4. - 4. - 4. - 4. - SHOP D Toseland RDouglass J Storey CAKES/SLICES J Wigan If you are able to help at the Open Days on Saturday 14 or Sunday 15 April please contact Shirley Stimson, phone 4757 2130

The Australian Heritage Magazine supports the BMHS with a donation towards postage costs for this newsletter.

Hoblry's Outreach 4 Apnl--MCfY 2007 AUGUST 2006 MEETING Contributed f?J Geoff Sad/er

'THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MISS VIOLET GIBBINS' Newcomers to the Blue Mountains may never have.heard of Osborne College at Blackheath. The writer of this report has lived in the mountains long enough to have been around while the College was operating, and although knowing of its existence, knew nothing of its background or of the people who ran it. Perhaps many others were similarly uninformed. :'k What an eye-opener, then, was l Royal Navy midshipman training the talk given by Ron Brasier to ~· college on the Isle of White, and the Society's meeting on 5 August when officers and men from 2006. Ron's talk was more HMS Drake visited, they specifically on 'The Life and presented the college with a Times of Miss Violet Gibbins - White Ensign, with permission the Principal and Owner of to fly it on special occasions, Osborne Ladies' College, such as the commemoration of Blackheath', a fascinating insight the Battle of Trafalgar. This to the life of a remarkable woman who established and Ensign, together with other items of memorabilia, was ran a college for girls, based on naval discipline and on display during the talk. tradition, adopting methods considered more By 1914 the college had outgrown the church hall appropriate for boys. As such, the College was certainly and was moved to a house in Epping called 'Braidbah'. unique among educational establishments on the Blue It was at the Epping location that Victoria Everingham Mountains, and, indeed, throughout the world. and her sister, Ena, became pupils. Ron's interest in the subject was kindled in 2000 by Violet was devastated when her brother Norman was the donation of College memorabilia to the Mount killed in 1916 at the Battle of Fromelles in WWI. She Victoria and District Historical Society from the estate fought with the War Department to obtain his property, of Miss Victoria Everingham, an ex-pupil and later rather than let it go to her mother or brother, with whom governess at the College. Further research by Ron added she had had some family conflict. to the information on Violet Gibbins' early life and the During WWI she organised many functions to establishment of the College that had been obtained support servicemen and to contribute towards beds at from the items in the collection. the War Memorial Hospital, Waverley. She supported Violet Gibbins was born in Victoria in 187 6, but the many organisations, such as Red Cross, NSW Navy family later moved to Queensland, where she was League, and the RSL, and sent comfort parcels to troops educated at Brisbane Grammar, later transferring to ..and ships on front line duty. Ipswich Grammar because the discipline at the former - Once again, the college outgrew its premises, and in school was 'too harsh'. 1923, Violet leased from Dr R T Paton a property in After leaving school, Violet had teaching positions at Blackheath known as 'Crammond'. Located on the schools in Charleville and Cairns, and in 1904, with the property, overlooking the Kanimbla Valley, was a two­ assistance of a generous benefactor, she established a storey building, erected in 1888 as a hotel, and this private school at Stanthorpe, called Cambridge Ladies provided accommodation facilities for pupils superior College. She was highly respected by her pupils, so when, to other boarding colleges of the time. In 1948, Violet in 1907, she moved the College to Southport, her pupils purchased the property from Dr Paton's estate. followed her there. At times there were upward of 70-80 pupils enrolled, Naval ships frequently called at Cairns and officers coming from Sydney, Brisbane and country areas. and men often visited schools in the area, with students Daughters of Vice Regal and diplomatic staff also making reciprocal visits to the ships. It was here that Violet Gibbins probably became acquainted with naval formality, discipline and tradition, features that obviously impressed her and formed the basis of her future educational standards. In 1909, she moved to Sydney, for reasons unknown, and here she taught part time in two schools and attended Sydney University but did no.t graduate. In 1910, she opened a school in a church hall in Bondi, attended by both boys and girls, wearing distinctly naval­ type uniforms. She named this school 'Osborne College', after the White Ensign Hobf?fr Outreach 5 April-May 2007 attended. Fees were structured to be within the reach destroyed by fire on 23 October 1963, and valuable links of middle-class families, and scholarships continued to to the family were lost forever. be offered to the children of deceased ex-servicemen. After the fire, the property was purchased by the Pupil Victoria Everingham eventually became a Worldwide Church of God, who built a huge governess at the college, and both she and Violet dressed convention centre on the site, using some of the bricks in naval type uniforms, as did the pupils. Although from the Osborne building. The property eventually Violet was described as a 'strict disciplinarian', she was became the Gateway School and more recently the Blue held in high esteem by many of her pupils. Mountains Christian School. During WWII, she and the college participated in the Violet Gibbins' aim was to turn out refined public­ war effort as they had done in WWI, and ships' spirited young women with high moral standards at the companies visited the school for presentations and completion of their schooling, ready to meet life's prize-giving days. · challenges with confidence. In Ron Brasier's opinion, In 1958, following a dog bite, she went into shock, she achieved her ambition, as her methods had suffered three strokes and contracted pneumonia. Three developed from their small start in Charleville into one months later, on 10 August 19 58, she died in a Leura of the most recognised small private schools in New private hospital. Her funeral at Northern Suburbs South Wales. Crematorium was attended by naval personnel, and a The talk was followed by some interesting questions service was held at Garden Island Chapel a week later. and comments, and Joyce Brister moved a vote of Victoria Everingham ran the school to the end of thanks to Ron, with members showing their appreciation the term when she sent the girls home. She was willing for a most interesting and informative talk in the usual to keep the school going, but she received nothing from way. Violet's estate, so the property was put up for auction Ron acknowledged David West's assistance in in February 19 59. However, it was passed in well below preparing the projected images of photos that illustrated the reserve and sold privately later in the year to Mr and the talk, and later presented the Society with a bound Mrs Kahn. copy of the talk and photos. Further information on The Kahns visited the dilapidated and unoccupied the subject can be found in the recent publication, building in 1963 and found two trunks in the cellar Blackheath, Todqy from Yesterdqy. containing what must have been Norman's possessions, uniforms and letters. They decided to make a more detailed inspection on their next visit but they did not get the chance. The building and everything in it were

6 April-Mt!J 2007 PERCY WILSON Contributed f:y Brian Fox The Longest Serving Shire President for the Blue Mountains Percy John Wilson was born in Castlecrag, Sydney hi 1867. He was married twice, first to Catherine Rose Kieran in 1914. Their son Percy Bernard was born 1907 and died 22 February 1985. After the death of Catherine in February 1922, Percy married Claire Elizabeth Kent in March 1923. Two children from this union were a daughter, Gloria Claire Elizabeth Kent Wilson, born 3 April 1924 and died 14 September 2003 and a son John Christian Wilson born 18 October 1936 and died 19 August 1968. Percy died 27 December 1937 and Claire 19 November 1963. Percy and Claire Wilson lived at 'Rosedale' Hazelbrook, (Rosedale Street taking its name from this house). The Electoral Roll, Riding B of Blue Mountains Shire 1914, records Percy as owner of an allotment at Hazelbrook and his Postal address as 4 Post Office Chambers, 114a Pitt Street, Sydney.

Percy Wilson and Gloria Claire Wilson John Wilson Bernard Drive, Lawson was named after their son in 1932. The 'Saint' in St Bernards Drive was erroneously added later. Gloria Park, Hazelbrook and Gloria Lookout, Leura were named after their daughter and Claires Glen, Bullaburra after his wife. Wilson Park, Lawson named in 1931 and Wilson Way, Blaxland named in 1932 were in honour of Percy Wilson's contribution to the Blue Mountains. Percy Wilson led a busy and checkered lifestyle. At various stages within his life he was Director of Alloy Steel Ltd, Hatfields Ltd, and the newspaper The Blue Mountain Echo. He was also Chairman of Central Blue Mountains Co-op Building Society Ltd and The Blue Mountains and Lithgow Railway Electrification League. He was a publisher who took over The Mountaineer Illustrated Tourists' Guide! 908 / 9 and from cl 918, he changed the format to Wilson} Sydnry Suburbs Street Directory & Blue Mountains Guide which was produced to 1938. Percy had died in 1937.

Memorial Park, Woodford Centenary Celebrations Wilson & Co. Official Opening Anzac Day 1922 Lennox Bridge, Lapstone Publication 1918 (Percy near front left) 22 July 1933 (Percy right) It was Percy's longstanding commitment to local politics which would have taken the majority of his energy. He first put forward his name and contested unsuccessfully in February 1917, but was successful in becoming Councillor in February 1920 and remained with the Shire Council until his death in December 1937. During this time he was President from January 1923 to December 1925 and January 1928 to December 1936, a total of eighteen years, twelve of them as President. Percy was described as a 'dapper man, who always dressed as though he was going to a wedding, with a flower in his buttonhole and in a black suit and hat.'

Hobby} Outreach 7 ApriJ-Mqy 2007 Within Percy's official farewell President's Minutes of the 24 November 1936 in part it reads as follows: The Main Roads Act and the establishment of the Main Roads Board, and the subsequent construction and reconditioning of the Great Western Highway and the Bell's Line of Road, were all brought about chiefly by the activities of our Shire. The purchase and extension of our electricity system has added brightness and comfort to our area. Prolific have been our grants from the Crown for Parks and Reserves, totalling 1,347 acres, and numbering about twenty-four. To quote only a few of the more important: Lapstone Hill, The Bluff and Red Hands Cave at Glenbrook, Bulls Camp and Waterhouse Park at Woodford, Coates Park, Hazelbrook, Wilson Park, Lawson, Pitt Park, Wentworth Falls and Mount Tomah Reserve. Three Public Halls have been erected, two swimming pools constructed and Wentworth Falls Bowling Green has been laid down by the Shire. The water supply extends from Katoomba to Woodford and Faulconbridge to Springwood.

Official Opening Official Opening of 66 kV Official Opening of Shire Chert Quarry, Mt Victoria, Transmission Line NSW Railways of Bruces Walk, Lawson February 1923 between Lawson and Mt Victoria 21November1931 21November1931 (Percy front right side)

It is with thanks to their grandchildren Carolyn Claire Hough and Jill Gloria Lyons for the photos and information within this article.

BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE OORGANISATIONS INC. (BMACHO) will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 28 April 2007, from 2pm at Hobby's Reach Meeting Room. The Annual General Meeting will be followed at 3pm by a public lecture by BMACHO Vice-President and Society member, Associate Professor Ian Jack, who will speak on 'The Defining Characteristics of the Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage'. Afternoon tea will be served. Gold coin entry.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2007-2008 I/ WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS President Peter Rickwood Vice President Colin Slade Adam Cullen, Wentworth Falls Secretary Joan Smith Bill Moore, Frenchs Forest Treasurer Geoff Sadler Bob Whiting, Blackheath Members David Bradley Rev. Eugene Stockton, Lawson Josephine Adam Ronald and Norma Walsh Wentworth Falls Margaret Edwards Susan Warmbath

~ FROM the Editor ... please feel free to contribute articles, photos etc. for this newsletter. Copy may be left with the Secretary for Margaret Edwards, or email to: [email protected] Please include BMHS as part of your subject heading. CLOSING DATE for contributions for next issue 15 May 2007. Thanks for your co-operation. Note: Editor's photos used, or as noted

Hobf:?JJ Outreach 8 April-MtfY 2007 LIFE MEMBERSHIP awarded to:

DuLcrn TosELAND Dulcie joined the Society in March 1989 as an inaugural member of Gwen Silvefs Research Group and as a volunteer in the Museum, where, in 1990, she was appointed to maintain the museum roster. Dulcie was a member of the Management Committee in 2005-6 and has always been available as a volunteer in Tarella and the kitchen. At present she is our filing expert in the Research Room.

REG TosELAND Photo: Jo Adam Reg joined the Society in September 1990, also becoming a Museum volunteer, and for many years has been a willing helper on Open Days. He held the position of Vice-President and Public Officer of the Society in 2004-5 and 2005-6 and is currently a volunteer in the Research Room, assisting in the scanning of the Society's photographic collection. Dulcie and Reg advise that they have six voluntary awards for their many endeavours over the years, but this is their first Llfe Membership. Duclie and Reg are currently serving another 'life membership' - They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary last year!

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION presented to:

LOIS SABINE COLIN SLADE in appreciation of her in appreciation of his donation of her beautiful organisation and labour in handmade rug and pillow the restoration of Tarella's for the Society's raffle and garden. of a microfiche reader and historical microfiche records to the Research Room. Lois has also spent many hours in the restoration of the hand knitted bedspread from the upstairs bedroom in Tarella.

NOTES from EXCURSION - Continuedfrompage 2 Vanimans Lookout: A lookout on the escarpment north of and above and south of Witches Leap, on the Round Walk from Reids Plateau, Katoomba. Chester Melvin Vaniman (1866-1912) an American photographer, balloonist, inventor and artist who visited the Blue Mountains in 1903. Described as 'probably the finest point from which to obtain a complete panoramic view of the falls (Katoomba Falls) and Jamison Valley is that known as Vaniman's Look-out'. The lookout is part of the Round Walk at Katoomba Falls. Ref: Melvin Vaniman 1866-1912 A Biographical Note by Alan Tierney, June 2000. Kiosk Lookout: A lookout at the Katoomba end or start of Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Reids Plateau. Named by Keith Painter in his book, Prince Henry Cliff Walk, 1994, pg61, due to kiosk at the head of this track and lookout. This lookout appears to be called Lauras Lookout as shown on the Official Blue Mountains Tourist Guide and Street Directory by H E C Robinson, 1935, pg28.

These notes have been compiled from information obtained from: Blue Mountains Geographical Dictionary 2006 Edition. Reproduced with permission of the author Brian Fox.

Hobby's Outreach 9 Aprit-Mqy 2007 .. '

Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc. The Society's objective is to promote community interest in history in general and in the Blue Mountains in particular. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month (except December and January) at the Society's headquarters at Hobby's Reach. At these meetings a talk by an invited speaker or by a member is followed by general business. An excursion to a place of historical interest is held on the second Monday of most months. Research Days are held each Tuesday at Hobby's Reach from 1Oam to 2pm and on Friday between lOam and noon under the supervision of the Research Officer. Patron: Mayor, City of the Blue Mountains, Cr Jim Angel Management Committee: President Peter Rickwood 0427232115 Research Joan Smith 4757 4009 Vice President Colin Slade 47822450 Curator Susan Warmbath 4757 3402 Secretary Joan Smith 4757 4009 Mem. Secretary Geoff Sadler 47821402 Treasurer Geoff Sadler 47821402 Editor Margaret Edwards 6352 3925 Members David Bradley 4758 6151 Book Shop Susan Warmbath 4757 3402 Josephine Adam 47591022 Pulblicity Officer Margaret Edwards 6352 3925 Walks & Talks Susan Warmbath 47573402 Catering Garden Convenor Colin Slade 4782 2450 Hobby's Reach Research Centre: 4757 3824

Return Address: Blue Mountains Historical Society P 0Box17 WENTWORTH FALLS NSW 2782

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