Thematic History
DUNGOG SHIRE HERITAGE STUDY THEMATIC HISTORY by GRACE KARSKENS B.A., M.A. prepared for PERUMAL, WRATHALL and MURPHY PTY LTD ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS in association with CAMERON MCNAMARA March, 1986 Accompanying Volumes Final Report Specialist Reports DUNGOG HERITAGE STUDY THEMATIC HISTORY Prepared by: Perumal Murphy Pty. Ltd in association with Cameron McNamara For Dungog Shire Council Heritage Council of NSW July 1988 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank the following persons and organizations for their assistance and advice. Archives Authority of N.S.W. Mr. Cameron Archer, Paterson Mrs. Pauline Clements, Paterson Mr. Reg Ford, Clarence Town Mrs. Marie Grogan, Dungog Mr. Brian Hartcher, Dungog Shire Council Mr. Don McLaren, Dungog Mitchell Library, Sydney Newcastle Local History Library Mr. Bryan Spencer, Gresford Mr. Jack Sullivan, Merewether CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Theme 1 : The Natural Environment 2 Theme 2 : The Aborigines 10 Theme 3 : Discovery, Exploration and Early Settlement 16 Theme 4 : The First Wave: Land Settlement 1820 - c1836 23 Theme 5 : The Early Government Influence 49 Theme 6 : The Growth of Towns and Transport Networks 61 Theme 7 : The Development of Communities 123 Theme 8 : Industries 151 Theme 9 : Post-war Period : Looking Back for the Future 200 INTRODUCTION The history of Dungog Shire presents a vivid kaleidoscope of the movement of peoples, the enterprise of individuals, the impact of economic conditions and of technological innovations, the rise and decline of towns, and the development of strong communities. The factors are interacting; the fabric of the past is closely woven. In this attempt to understand the Shire's past, and thus its present landscapes and material culture, the subject has been divided into nine themes focusing on key aspects of the Shire's development, and these themes are interrelated in order to reflect the past holistically, as a "fabric".
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