HERITAGE NEWSLETTER OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. MARCH - APRIL 2012 ISSUE No. 20 Grand house victim of bushfire now a ruin By John Merriman, Local Studies Librarian, Blue Mountains City Library THIS burnt out building ruin on the side of the at Faulconbridge was once a grand house with a tower built for a wealthy businessman Andrew McCulloch in the early 1880s.

The stone used in its construction was quarried nearby and the work was carried out by a well known local stonemason, word meaning much the same as The depression, war and other hard Patrick (Paddy) Ryan. the earlier Aboriginal one. times, falling on the owners. In the early 1960s the then owner, Mr McCulloch furnished his country Evans had also purchased the Adams, set about restoring the house using the exclusive neighbouring house, ‘Numantia’, a decaying property. firm of Lyon Cottier and Co. wooden cottage adjacent to the railway line with its own rail Restoration had been completed The property boasted a tennis court, platform, built in 1877 by Sir James just prior to the disastrous bushfires flag-staff and beautiful gardens and Martin, and to this he transferred on 1968. an ornamental lake made by the name ‘Weemala’. damming a gully. The fire consumed the house in all This has proved to be a source of its grandeur and the building McCulloch named his new great confusion and many people remains a ruin today. residence ‘Weemala’, an Aboriginal today still refer to ‘Eurama”’as word said to mean “an expansive ‘Weemala’. As a postscript to the ‘Eurama’ view”, and spent the next few years story, the Blue Mountains City developing the grounds. When George Evans died ‘Eurama’ Library was given permission by Mr passed to his daughter, Mrs Emily Watkins, the then owner, to stage However, at the end of the 1880s, Ethel McLaurin. an open air children’s adventure he began to experience financial theatre performance there during difficulties and sold the property to It was later sold to Mrs Katherine the Bicentennial celebrations in JW Cliff in 1889. Nathan in the 1920s and around 1988. 1930, to Mrs Daisy Brown. When Cliff sold the property, then With the ruins as a backdrop the totaling about 113 acres in 1907, Following Mrs Brown’s death the property proved a most effective the new owner, a solicitor named building was left vacant for a time site for this project. George Evans, changed the name and suffered from some vandalism. to ‘Eurama’, said to be a Greek Over the ensuing decades many Continued page 3 owners had their dreams cut short.

HERITAGE 1 March - April 2012 Contents...... An opinion from the editor...... HERITAGE March - April Western crossing 2012 *P1 Grand house victim bicentenary gets a of bushfire *P2 Western crossing bicentenary gets a dynamic boost dynamic boost THE REGION is indeed fortunate to refined BMACHO’s earlier ‘guesstimates’ *P4 Great-great-great have many dedicated and enthusiastic which included $2 million government grand-daughter of volunteers engaged in heritage and and sponsorship funds for developing William Cox is history work. This small army of public access and innovative interpretive guest speaker people from Penrith to Bathurst is signage at various sites along the original *P4 Annual meeting doing a great job in planning Cox’s Road between Emu Plains and marks 6 years of commemorations and celebrations for Bathurst] achievement the 2013 -15 bicentenary of the *P5 Review of role and crossing of the Blue Mountains, the Phil Hammon and Tom Colless are future direction for discovery and development of the dynamic businessmen who have the heritage golden west. Blue Mountains very much at heart and association in the past have not been slow to “put *P5 Internet and e-mail BMACHO, the Royal Australian their money where their mouth is”. Their *P6 Historical Society and the National strong leadership in this vital part of the Sculpture awards Trust of some 6 or 7 years bi-centenary celebration and announced ago sounded the alert that 2013 -15 commemoration is the link in the chain *P7 The Red Admiral - would be a golden opportunity to the project so badly needed an exhibition of create a lasting commemoration, of the Patrick White’s western crossing almost 200 years ago However, the Western crossing is not years at Mt Wilson and the events that followed just about Katoomba nor even the Blue *P8 Dowell O’Reilly ... culminating in Governor Lachlan Mountains. It is about the whole region father of Eleanor Macquarie arriving by coach in from Penrith to Bathurst and possibly Dark an author and Bathurst to proclaim it a township. Parramatta, Blacktown and the poet in his own Hawkesbury. right Gradually local government has come *P10 Sydney the soft on board with token finances from their It is ludicrous to think no matter how touch limited resources for the project, while many “Memorandums of Understanding’ *P11 Hazelbrook and the state government at several levels local government might sign that it has Woodford History including that of the premier and the capacity to co-ordinate, obtain the 2nd edition federal local members have promised government and private funding and then *P11 An outstanding Mt support. manage the event on a regional level. Wilson potter of yesteryear All this interest is welcome and part of It is also a recipe for disaster to ignore *P12 The blacksmith and the need to involve government at all the tremendous amount of work that has his anvil the symbol levels and the people of this been done by the volunteers, in historical of runaway community who must be an integral societies, National Trust , BMACHO and marriages part of the planning and event others in the heritage sector. This group *P13 Heritage and the operating process. under the able chairmanship of RAHS internet seminar president, Professor David Carment has *P14 Wall hanging But what has been lacking up to date done much of the preliminary work. recalls pioneer has been a person or persons who ancestors might drive this project and bring to It is after all, primarily a commemoration *P14 Blue Mountains an reality this great opportunity. of a major historical event. The aim Illustrated souvenir should to be to use the commemoration *P15 Walk beneath trade Just such a force has now emerged to exploit the tourism potential which union banners with the formation of the Business must then benefit the region’s economy. *P15 Venturing above Supporting Bicentenary (BSB) funded Government funding is more likely to and beyond by Phil Hammon of Scenic World and come for a regional project, rather than a *P15 Old Hartley bridge Tom Colless of Colless Foods. This series of parochial events. *P17 Two BMFH authors body could take a key role in securing receve awards an estimated $3 million in government Federal and state government should *P18 Awards for 3 Valley grants and company sponsorships seize the opportunity to demonstrate how Heights Rail needed to make the events reach their our heritage linked with tourism is good members potential. for the economy of the nation. *P20 State Library puts John Leary, OAM - Past president, $1.8M 194-year old [Some 4 years ago a rough calculation by BMACHO’s executive suggested a Blue Mountains Association of Australiana album Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc. on show budget of $5 million. BSB has no doubt

HERITAGE 2 March - April 2012 Sir James had acquired a large amount of land from Sir Henry Parkes and it was his intention to build a huge mansion after he had built this small wooden cottage.

The grand mansion never eventuated.

The foundations only were laid. They later c.1914 -18 became the foundations for ‘Banool’ now ‘The Bungalow’ on the corner of Martin Place and Great Western Highway at Linden.

In 1876 a railway platform was erected to service the well-to-do residents of the area. It became the Property name changes Numantia Platform but ceased operation in 1892 with the platform cause confusion being removed in 1897. In 1898 Adolphus Rogalsky Weemala (1880s) became Eurama (1907) purchased ‘Numantia’ and it was he who changed the name to Numantia (1877) became Weemala (1907) ‘Weemala’.

Continued from page 1 This coincided with the name change for the other ‘Weemala’ to The Eurama owners ‘Weemala’ is now situated close to ‘Eurama’. The subsequent owners of the rail line behind the high stone ‘Eurama’, who consolidated it The high stone wall of ‘Numantia’, wall. into one estate and expanded later ‘Weemala’, still stands. that estate to the present 141 The cottage originally on this site The cottage was destroyed by hectares, have been of was erected about 1877 for Sir bushfire in December 1977. Since individual significance: Andrew James Martin KCMG. It was to be then a new three bedroom brick McCulloch as the epitome of the his country residence and was veneer cottage was erected behind ruthless wheeler and dealer in named ‘Numantia’. sellable land next to a projected the stone wall. This building has railway, the politician, Numantia being a region in Spain been badly vandalised. conveyancer and real estate and it has been said that Sir James Photographs from the Blue speculator who always had thought the countryside here similar Mountains City Library collection, inside information, an anti-hero to that of Numantia, Spain. of the 1870s and 1880s; JW from the McLaurin family album. Cliff, as a lesser player in It was a wooden house set behind a John Merriman, Local Studies McCulloch’s world; George high stone wall. Librarian © 2009 Blue Mountains Evans as a proselytiser for the City Library Mountain tracks, the eponym of , the builder of the State-significant ‘Eirene’ (now ‘Cleopatra’); his daughter, the formidable Emily MacLaurin, and her husband, as heirs to the Rouses and Fitzgeralds, as well as the Evanses and the MacLaurins, who brought the first motor-car to the stables at ‘Eurama’ and the first Rolls Royce, and reigned there with something of the old-fashioned authority of the quondam squattocracy, leavened by scholarship of which Badham would have approved.Source: NSW State Heritage statment of significance ‘Weemala’ originally named ‘Numantia’

HERITAGE 3 March - April 2012 Great - great - great grand - daughter of William Cox is guest speaker for BMACHO’S AGM Dr Anne-Maree Whitaker (pictured), the great-great-great grand-daughter of William Cox, who built the first road over the Blue Mountains in 1814 -1815 will be the guest speaker at this month’s annual general meeting of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc.

Her talk will be on her great - great - great - grandfather, William Cox, Justice of the Peace, paymaster NSW Corps and road builder.

Anne - Maree is working on a Dr Anne - Maree Whitaker biography of her ancestor and has Australian topics and is an the Australian Catholic Historical recently undertaken a research trip independent professional historian Society. to the UK and Ireland in pursuit of who undertakes research in a wide family information. range of 18th - 20th century Dr Whitaker was the winner of a Australian topics. 2010 National Trust Heritage Award Dr Whitaker has a PhD in Australian for ‘Sydney Parks - Signage and history from Macquarie University in Dr Whitaker is a Fellow of the Royal History Website’. Sydney. Australian Historical Society and the Royal Historical Society, and a She is also the NSW State Library’s She has published widely in member of the Professional CH Currey Memorial Fellow for Australian Catholic and Irish Historians Association (NSW) and 2011 - 2012. Annual meeting marks 6 years of achievement The existing management heritage advisory committee which The extraordinary capacity and committee of BMACHO under the in past years has seen a major task ability of Jan Koperberg who as presidency of Pamela Smith for the of lobbying by BMACHO. secretary has not only developed a past 12 months, has continued to very effective and timely provide innovative initiatives to serve The annual general meeting is communication with organisational the heritage sector. scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at and individual members, but in the 2pm at the Grandview Hotel, wider heritage community continues Continuing on BMACHO’s list of Wentworth Falls. to serve well past that of most achievements in its first 5 years the others. committee’s major milestones this In the past year, once again there year include; the publishing of the has been a very compatible group of Nominations for all position close on second Blue Mountains History experienced men and women who March 9. Journal, several seminars or have looked after the affairs of the Pictured below is Pamela Smith workshops, the publication of association. during a meeting with National another 6 editions of the newsletter Trust CEO Will Holmes a Court HERITAGE, support and advice on Particular mention is made of various issues as well as planning president Pamela Smith who has not and organising the Blue Mountains had an easy job balancing her History conference for later this year. commitments, but has shown a strong lead in the affairs of the The committee has been particularly association particularly in the pleased to see achieved in 2011 one organisation of this year’s major of its strategic aims, the creation by event the conference in October Blue Mountains City Council of a 2012.

HERITAGE 4 March - April 2012 Review of role and future directions for heritage association A REVIEW OF BMACHO’s past and The committee will comprise from having professional advice and possible future roles will be BMACHO’s president, Pamela guidance on site for e.g. exhibit undertaken by a small sub- Smith, secretary, Jan Koperberg, display and management or committee which will provide the and former president, John Leary archiving or restoration work. management committee with a with vice president Ian Jack and report and recommendations by former treasurer, Peter Stanbury ∗ The advisability and June 30, 2012. available to also provide advice. capability of BMACHO to provide support within the capacity of its The decision to conduct the review members in their pursuit of heritage Former BMACHO president John has been discussed for some time advocacy. Leary has said, “Voluntary and recently the NSW Department organisations such as those in the of Fair Trading recommended this ∗ The need to broaden heritage sector play a vital role in action should be taken every couple BMACHO’s financial base to allow society, but without strong of years. more services to be provided to management much of their hard members. work can be wasted. It is 6 years since BMACHO was established and it is now ∗ The possibility of linking “From time to time an organisation considered to be an appropriate BMACHO with a university and needs to review its overall strategic time to look at various aspects of other research facilities. direction. the association’s role. The sub-committee will also look at “All organisations need a strategic The review will consider the ways to ensure that the association plan and that plan needs to answer following issues: operates within the principle of ‘best three things: where are we now as practice’. an organisation, where do we want i. the quality and appropriateness of the services to be in three years time and how Anyone interested in making a being supplied to members; do we get from where we are now to submission should make contact where we want to be?. with Jan Koperberg at ii. the expectations of both [email protected] “In the six years of its existence organisational and individual BMACHO has achieved much and members; now is the time to capitalise on iii. the need and ability to these successes. provide extended and other Internet and services “For the review to be a success we e-mail need input and suggestions as to iv. the ramifications of the what members would like to see the possible extension of the area to be association provide in the way of served by the association; workshops services,” Mr Leary said. A series of four introductory v. the necessity and workshops for people wishing to desirability of a change in name for improve their skills in the use of ‘Organisations the association; the internet and email will be offered by BMACHO on Thursday vi. the desirability of mornings April 5, 12 19 and 26. need strong, affiliating or associating with one or more universities; and The workshops will be free and visionary, are funded by a generous grant vii. any other area which from Telstra Connected Seniors experienced the committee may think Program. appropriate. people to The Workshops will be held at Some of the issues the sub- Hobby’s Reach, the home of the provide committee will investigate include: Blue Mountains Historical Society, * The advantage or 99/101 Blaxland Road, disadvantages of increasing Wentworth Falls. strategic BMACHO’s constituency to include direction’ neighbouring, but historically linked The class size is limited and areas, such as Hawkesbury, preregistration is essential. Penrith, Oberon or even Bathurst Further information from Barrie ∗ Reynolds: phone 4757 4725; The benefit to historical email [email protected] societies and other heritage groups

HERITAGE 5 March - April 2012 Scenic World Sculpture awards announced A SCULPTURE of wool and wire “The respect for the art, artists and has taken out the inaugural the environment is what inspired me Sculpture at Scenic World $20,000 to apply for this exhibition,” Ms acquisitive award for pushing the Taylor said. medium’s boundaries into the 21st Century. “Distant Time reflects this forest. It’s a web of random gatherings and by Greer Taylor’s work, Distant Time, is placing this form in the rainforest one of 26 sculptures by 27 artists the sculpture and surroundings are from Katoomba to Belfast to be mirrored and magnified by their displayed along Scenic World’s differences.” ancient temperate rainforest walkway, during the independent The winning sculpture was selected exhibition open until until March 11, by independent judges, UWS 2012. Curator Monica McMahon and Macquarie University Sculpture The award was presented by Scenic Park Curator, Leonard Janiszewski. World’s new joint managing The sculpture ‘Distant Time’, directors, Anthea and David The works of Cassandra Scott-Finn, displayed along Scenic World’s Hammon, on behalf of the Hammon Infinity?, Elianna Apostilades, ancient temperate rainforest Family Council during the official Amber 302, and Heidi Kenyon, I’m walkway exhibition opening last month. Still Here, have each been awarded highly commended by the judges. of the traditional key canons of Taylor’s winning sculpture They stated: sculpture. comprises two parts, small and large formal pyramids composed “Scott-Finn’s work achieves a “Heidi Kenyon’s magical work with red woollen thread woven mesmerising kaleidoscope of exposes the intricate preciousness around steel wire, installed among constantly changing colour and of the organic through light, form the ancient trees to reflect a distant form that absorbs both viewer and and environment. time that both contrasts and environment as elements of its compliments the landscape. ongoing visual dance. “The strength of all three works lies in their ability to challenge, Ms Taylor said after the presentation “Similarly, Elianna Apostilades readdress, reconstitute, and it was a privilege to create artwork successfully sculpts form, light, reinvigorate sculpture in the 21st for a beautiful natural environment movement, environment and time, century as an art form whose that was being protected by the transcending preconceived notions fundamental visual language Hammon family’s Scenic World. incorporates environmental elements as essential.”

Scenic World is an inaugural member of BMACHO and the Hammon family is active in the conservation and preservation of the early mining ventures in the Blue Mountains. Phil Hammon is the co-author with Phillip Pells of The Burning Mists of Time - A Technological and Social History of Mining at Katoomba.

HERITAGE INDEX BMACHO newsletter HERITAGE from January 2009 to December 2011 has been index by Joan Edwards of the Blue Mountains Family History Society.

Joint managing directors of Scenic World, Anthea and David Hammon with The index is available on the winner of the inaugural Scenic World Sculpture award Greer Taylor BMFHS website at http:// (holding the Keith Rowe trophy) with exhibition curator Lizzy Marshall). www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~nswbmfhs/res/bmacho.htm Photograph by Peter Stanbury, OAM

HERITAGE 6 March - April 2012 The Red Admiral - an exhibition of Patrick White’s years at Mt Wilson IN 2012, the Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society will celebrate the centenary of Patrick White’s May 28, 1912 birth date by holding a year-long exhibition at the Turkish Bath Museum at Mt Wilson.

Patrick White spent his formative years as a young child at Mt Wilson in the 1920s and 1930s; the exhibition will highlight the impact of both the Australian natural environment and the influence of working class and wealthy society individuals and families that were to strongly shape him for the remainder of his life, as an Ruth White, the mother of Patrick White, on the verandah of individual and as a writer of Withycombe with an unidentified friend in 1923. Photograph Mt Wilson international acclaim. & Mt Irvine Historical Society Collection In association with the exhibition, This unique heritage listed building The story of Patrick White and his the Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine is situated within the Wynstay family at Mt Wilson in the 1920s Historical Society is hosting an Estate at the end of The Avenue, and 30s (the so-called ‘Golden Age’ open gardens weekend on Saturday Mount Wilson. of Hill Station life in Australia) is rich and Sunday April 28 - 29. in historical interest, and yet, remains well hidden to most people. It was one of the first properties to Three beautiful gardens – be established in Mount Wilson, as Withycombe, Sylvan Close and The project aims to heighten early as 1875, by Mr Richard Bisley - that are seldom open to the awareness of the formative years of Wynne who also established the public will be featured. Late April is White’s life in an easily accessible Wynne Landscape & Sculpture traditionally the time of year when and understood manner. Prize in 1895. Mt Wilson’s famous autumn colours are at their peak. The exhibition has been specifically The building was in use for a few designed not to be an academic Withycombe was the childhood years for its initial purpose, as a treatment of his literature, nor does home of Patrick White. His parents, Turkish Bath, but now partly it require an understanding or Dick and Ruth, bought the property restored it houses a museum of appreciation of White, or his works. in 1921 and held it until 1938 until it local history operated by the Mt was sold to the Church of England Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical The goal is to foster a recognition of Society. a vital influence on White that has for ten shillings. previously been ignored, or Near the front gate of Withycombe The building itself is very stylish, misunderstood, for many years, is a tree which still carries, albeit featuring many original features despite the amount of research very faintly, the initials PW carved including arched windows of stained undertaken on the most famous and into its trunk some ninety years ago. and hand painted glass. It has renowned Australian author. exterior walls of polychrome The combined entrance fee to the brickwork with Italianate decoration The exhibition will be in the form of three gardens is $20 per adult; and an elaborate turret with cast a series of framed A1 sized posters children are admitted without iron finials and roof decoration. designed by a local professional charge. Tickets are available at the graphics artist. entrance of any of the three The title of the exhibition is taken gardens. from the name White used as a ten- The gardens will be open from year old. His first published pieces 10am to 4pm. Food, drink and toilet were about Mt. Wilson. The ‘Red facilities are available on the Admiral’ was his favourite butterfly. weekend from the Mt Wilson Village The exhibition is to be opened at Hall. 11am on Sunday June 17, by the Additionally, the Mt Wilson Turkish Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bath Museum will be open in Bashir AC CVO at the Mt Wilson conjunction on both days. Ornate roof decorations on Village Hall. Turkish bath house, Mt Wilson

HERITAGE 7 March - April 2012 Dowell O’Reilly … father of Eleanor Dark an author and poet in his own right by Pamela Smith - Springwood Historians

WHAT can we give in return McCulloch is perhaps better known in the Blue Mountains as For her beauty and mystery the owner of the - now derelict - cottage ‘Eurama’ located at Of flowering forest, infinite plain, Linden.

Deep sky and distant mountain- The ruins of the cottage are a chain, familiar sight to road and rail traffic as they pass by today. And her triumphant sea, O’Reilly was also related to Dr 1 Thundering old songs of liberty? Charles Badham, Professor of Classics at Sydney University, DOWELL O”REILLY, better known through Badham’s first marriage perhaps as the father of author to Julia, sister to O’Reilly’s Eleanor Dark, was a schoolmaster mother.6 turned parliamentarian and an author and poet in his own right. Dowell Philip O’Reilly There is some speculation that Dowell, born in Sydney on July 18 Badham may have assisted Scott; they became firm friends.12 1865, was the second of four O’Reilly’s mother when she opened In 1898 he returned to Sydney children born to Anglican ‘Hayfield’ as a preparatory school Grammar where he remained a clergyman, Rev. Thomas O’Reilly for boys at Parramatta.7 master until 1909.13 and second wife Rosa (nee Smith).22 An article in the Illustrated Sydney Although his literary career began in He was educated at Sydney News in 1889, suggested that the 1880s, it was somewhat less Grammar School and took up a ‘Hayfield,’ presided over by Mrs. than spectacular. teaching post at ‘Hayfield’ to assist O’Reilly, was an efficient and 8 his mother after his father died in comfortable school. He is known to have destroyed 1881.3 volumes of A Pedlar’s Pack, Dowell and Eleanor had their first because sales of the book of verse It was there that he met Eleanor child, named for his father, in 1899. had been inadequate.14 McCulloch – the music teacher - Eleanor, named for her mother, was who he married in a quiet, almost born in 1901, while Brian arrived in By the 1890s his literary career 9 secretive, ceremony on December 1905. seemed to have picked up because 28 1895.4 he regularly contributed poems and Dowell junior died in 1926, Brian short stories to the Bulletin and The bride’s parents and close married Norah Wilson and died at other publications.15 friends were absent which, Wentworth Falls in 1985 in the according to Barbara Brooks and same year as sister Eleanor (then Night classes at the University of Judith Clark caused ‘quite a stir’ Eleanor Dark), who died in Sydney in 1889 brought him into when the union became common Katoomba. contact with scholar and writer, knowledge.5 John Le Gay Brereton, and the In 1886/87, Dowell played cricket equally talented poet, author and Albert Bathurst Piddington, who a for Central Cumberland against the scholar, Christopher Brennan. year later married Dowell’s sister visiting English side, and in 1888, Marion Louisa, was his best man. he was commissioned second One-time Professor of Economics, lieutenant in the Parramatta Robert Francis Irvine, was also a 10 Piddington, like Dowell, had been Volunteer Rifles. He transferred to mutual friend. educated at Sydney Grammar. the reserves in 1898. The men were involved in Marriage to Eleanor Grace Dowell was elected to the publication of the short-lived McCulloch meant that he became Legislative Assembly for Parramatta Australian Magazine and were the son-in-law of the controversial in 1894, on a free trade ticket. members of the Casual Club.16 politician, Andrew Hardie McCulloch. Shortly after, he moved a motion in In 1910 Dowell contested the seat parliament in favour of female of Parramatta as a Labour suffrage.11 candidate and counted WM Hughes among his circle of friends.17 Dowell’s sympathies for female suffrage endeared him to Rose Continued page 9

HERITAGE 8 March - April 2012 Continued from page 8 Helen O’Reilly and Marivic Argus, Appearance of “X” Wyndham, which had little to do Remarkable Statement, “Mud Nine Friendship with politics but more to do with Years Old,” 15.12.1922, p. 11. The personal issues within the family.22 incident referred to questions asked with by Piddington about the part Years of illness preceded the death O’Reilly & Hughes played in his of Eleanor Grace O’Reilly, who appointment to the High Court and controversial eventually died in 1914.23 Dowell’s his subsequent resignation because second wife, Marie Rose Beatrice he felt compromised. O’Reilly prime minister (Mollie) Miles, who he married in argued back that it was Piddington’s 1917, was a cousin he met in hysterical nature that caused him to ‘Billy’ Hughes England in 1879.24 resign. 19 Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney He continued contributing to Day by Day, 16.12.1922, p. 30. periodicals and in 1913 published 20 Ibid. Tears and Triumph, that, while 21 Michael Roe, ‘Piddington, Albert fiction, sketched an ‘outline of his Bathurst (1862-1945),’ Australian suffragette philosophy.’25 Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian The local studies collection in National University, http:// Springwood library hold several of adb.anu.edu.au/biography/oreilly- Dowell O’Reilly’s works including dowell-philip- 7917/text13773, Tears and Triumph, Fivecorners, accessed 21 September 2011 The prose and verse of Dowell 22 Abuse as a muse, The Sydney O’Reilly and Dowell O’Reilly from Morning Herald Blogs, his letters. Entertainment, http:// blogs.smh.com.au/entertainment, Dowell died of pneumonia and accessed 20.6.2011. WM Hughes,CH,KC - Prime vascular disease at Leura in 1923 23 Marivic Wyndham, ‘A world-proof Minister of Australia 1915 - 23 and was buried in the cemetery at life’: Eleanor Dark, a writer in her His friendship with Hughes was to Blackheath. times, 1901-1985, UTSePress, have long term effects and was Sydney, 2007, p. 26. thought to have caused a rift with Endnotes 24 Michael Sharkey. his brother-in-law, AB Piddington.18 1 First verse of Australia by Dowell 25 Ibid. O’Reilly. A column in the Sydney Morning 2 Michael Sharkey, ‘O’Reilly, Dowell The author Herald called ‘Sydney Day by Day’ Philip (1865–1923)’, Australian Pamela Smith a regular carried a very tongue in cheek view Dictionary of Biography, National contributor to HERITAGE , is of Dowell. Centre of Biography, Australian currently president of the Blue National University, http://adb.anu. Mountains Association of Cultural The article implied that he was edu.au/biography/oreilly-dowell- Heritage Organisations Inc, a somewhat of the ‘Bohemian order,’ philip- 7917/text13773, accessed 21 founding member of Springwood and well thought of in ‘local literary’ September 2011. Historians and a member of Blue circles.19 3 Ibid. Mountains City Council’s heritage 4 Barbara Brooks & Judith Clark, advisory committee. The article went on to suggest that Eleanor Dark, A Writers Life, Dowell found favour among the Macmillan, 1998, p. 9. Pamela has a BA (Hons) degree ‘womenfolk of the State’ although 5 Ibid. in History as well as an Advanced ‘not an enormous number,’ who, by 6 Michael Sharkey. Diploma in Local Family and that time, had won the right to vote. 7 Ibid. Applied History. Her honours The Herald correspondent 8 Illustrated Sydney News, thesis focused on private suggested that Dowell had written 3.10.1889, p. 19. education in the Blue Mountains, some ‘acceptable poetry’ and his 9 NSW Births, Deaths and Marriage while an earlier thesis dealt with ‘crisp and appetising’ style was Indexes, the presence of the fascist Old reflected in a letter sent to the paper 10 Michael Sharkey. Guard Movement in the Blue regarding his feud with Piddington.20 11 Ibid. Mountains in the 1930s. 12 Judith A. Allen, Rose Scott, Michael Roe suggested that while Oxford University Press, Oxford, She is currently enrolled in the Piddington was intellectually gifted, 1994, p. 254. Master of History degree course 13 he was of a turbulent disposition Ibid. at the University of New England, 14 and prone to recurrent ‘displays of Michael Sharkey. Armidale and has a special 21 15 wayward emotion.’ Ibid. interest in non-government private 16 Ibid. venture schools, local/public 17 Thus, O’Reilly’s claim (see below) Ibid. history, the Old and New Guard 18 may have been correct. However, Sydney Morning Herald, The High and women’s history, especially over recent years a darker side to Court, Identity of Mr X, Attack on Mr women involved in politics and this feud has been revealed by Piddington, 15.12.1922, p. 11; The local government.

HERITAGE 9 March - April 2012 Sydney the soft touch By Andrew Tink - Biographer of Lord Sydney IN AN AGE when convicts could be transported for the most trifling offences, it may come as a surprise to read that the home secretary who sent the First Fleet to Botany Bay was a soft touch.

While the sentencing of convicts was a matter for the criminal courts, those who had been condemned to death could plead to the king for clemency. As home secretary, Lord Sydney was responsible for the paperwork and he often tested George III’s patience with his lenient attitude.

When Sydney made sympathetic representations on behalf of a convict sentenced to death for forgery, the king replied testily: ‘there cannot be the smallest reason for any farther delay as to the law taking its course on George Owen…the execution of this unhappy convict [is] absolutely necessary as an example’.

Sydney was once even castigated by a minister of religion. ‘I am told that you have now obtained a pardon for a man convicted of the horrid crime of wilful murder’, the Reverend Charles Hardy said. ‘Do I now live in a country where a secretary of state can in effect annul our laws?’

On Sydney’s ministerial watch, the Transportation Act of 1784 had passed the British Parliament.

Among other things it provided that convict overseers ‘could inflict…such moderate punishment…as may be inflicted by law on persons committed to a House of Correction’. Crude as it was, this imposed a duty of care on Lord Sydney and all others involved in organising the First Fleet. Equally importantly, Sydney resolved that the convicts on the First Fleet were to be as generously Sydney’s most important decisions included the choice of provisioned as soldiers going to the toughest Arthur Phillip, a firm but fair man, to be the convict outposts in the British Empire. colony’s first governor. And they shared the same vision for NSW: In all, Sydney spent £ 58,000 to transport about 750 convicts and 250 military men to Botany Bay, using a • There was to be no slavery; competent contractor, William Richards, to organise things. • The convicts would be encouraged to redeem themselves through emancipation and land As a result, there were only about 25 deaths during grants; the voyage. Sydney’s generosity was criticised by some of his cabinet colleagues though. And soon • The ordinary rule of law rather than military law after the return of the First Fleet ships to England, would apply to them; Sydney retired. • The Europeans were to live in ‘amity and Determined not to be a ‘soft touch’, Sydney’s kindness’ with the Aborigines. replacement as home secretary, the 29 year old political up and comer, George Grenville, ordered that the Second Fleet be prepared with ‘least expense to In this short article Andrew Tink writes about the man the public’. who gave Sydney its name. The book Lord Sydney: The life and times of Tommy Townshend rrp $39.95, is Richards was replaced by a firm of slavers, Camden available from all good booksellers (in Sydney – Calvert and King. And over 1,000 convicts were including, but not limited to: Lindfield Bookshop, The shipped for just £22,370. As a result, 267 died. Children’s Bookshop, Abbey’s Bookshop, Berkelouw Books, Dymocks booksellers, Novella Fine Books, Had Sydney the soft touch organised the First Fleet Lesley McKay’s, Shearer’s on Norton, Pages & Pages the way young George Grenville organised the Bookseller, Potts Point Bookshop, Hordern House Rare Second, the first European settlement of Australia Books). would have failed.

HERITAGE 10 March - April 2012 Hazelbrook and Woodford history, 2nd edition A SECOND edition of the 2007 National Trust award- winning Hazelbrook and Woodford history has recently been published.

As the first edition of Hazelbrook and Woodford: a story of two Blue Mountains towns launched in early October 2006 had sold out by 2008, the historian and author Ken Goodlet thought it time to do a second edition for Christmas last year. That first edition is now in, roughly, one in four households in Woodford/ Hazelbrook, but new residents have since moved in whom he thought might be interested in getting a copy.

Besides, new information and photographs had come to light and Ken wanted to incorporate in the history the events of the last five years, so there are more photographs, more general information, more appendices and obviously more pages. Important features are specialist chapters by Dr Eugene Stockton on geology and Aboriginal heritage and by Judy and Peter Smith on native animal and plant life.

The bulk of the book is about the early settlers, the holidaymakers, the community-minded spirits and the later suburban-dwellers in these two communities that have reinvented themselves over the decades.

While the book includes the fruit of research by earlier historians and by Ken, it also includes the memories of over 100 local people interviewed by him, supported by Ken Goodlet’s book cover image — A Christmas some 340 local photos and maps. Journey, by T. Walter Wilson, Woodford Station, 1881. (The date indicates the drawing was the third When Ken first undertook the Hazelbrook/Woodford of four stations at Woodford. The station pictured project, he had hoped that there could be up-to-date was, slightly west of the present station, just above histories of all mountains towns. The fine work by Dr the recently demolished old railway cottages.) Peter Rickwood on Blackheath has been a further step in that process. The new edition at $30 is available This picture has also been painted inside the from local bookshops and from the author at waiting room of Woodford railway station. 4758 6591. An outstanding Mount Wilson potter of yesteryear MT WILSON and Mt Irvine The book, to paraphrase John Many local or past residents of Mt Historical Society have overseen Valder, ‘remains a cherished Wilson and Mt Irvine offered their the publication of an important new reminder of a generous, cheerful, much loved pieces for inclusion in book that celebrates the life and friendly man’. the book. creative output of an outstanding local identity, Fred Mann The book is truly a local community effort celebrating the pottery that Fred Mann’s Mount Wilson Pottery emerged from the white clay from was primarily the result of the diggings at Yengo. Jess Delbridge, efforts of two well - known local grand-daughter of Arthur Delbridge residents. a talented graphic designer who lives at Mt Wilson was responsible The book was the brainchild of for technical layout of the book. Wendy Holland who has driven the project with extraordinary passion, The book can be ordered directly energy and vision over the last two from Wendy Holland 4756 2094, and half years. Florence Smart 9416 1957 or Tim Gow 4756 2031 for $20. All Roger Howard-Smith shot most of proceeds of the sale of this book go the photographs in the book and to Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine most generously covered the initial Historical Society to underwrite printing costs future projects. Republished from Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine Historical Society Newsletter No 28

HERITAGE 11 March - April 2012 The blacksmith and his anvil the symbol of runaway marriages BLACKSMITHING is a dying trade Gretna’s famous ‘runaway In England and Wales, the age for and with it the blacksmith tools of marriages’ began in 1753 when marriage is now 16 with parental trade, the most prominent being the Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act was consent and 18 without. anvil, writes John Leary. passed in England; it stated that if both parties to a marriage were not Today there are several wedding There are many references to anvils at least 21 years old, then parents venues in and around Gretna in ancient Greek and Egyptian had to consent to the marriage. Green, from former churches to writings, including Homer’s works. purpose-built chapels. The Act did not apply in Scotland, Because anvils are very ancient where it was possible for boys to The services at all the venues are tools and were at one time very marry at 14 and girls at 12 years of always performed over an iconic commonplace, they have acquired age with or without parental blacksmith’s anvil. symbolic meaning beyond their use consent. as utilitarian objects. There are an estimated 5000 Many elopers fled England, and the weddings services in the area each But by far the most romantic first Scottish village they year and one of every six Scottish reference to the anvil is attributed to encountered was Gretna Green on weddings. the anvil priest of Gretna Green, in the old coaching route from London Scotland site of the famous to Edinburgh. Anvils have today lost their former ‘runaway marriage”. The tradition of eloping English commonness. Anvils are still used couples searching for blacksmiths by blacksmiths and metal workers Scottish law allowed for ‘irregular resulted legally from the fact that of all kinds in producing custom marriages’, meaning that if a blacksmiths were necessarily work. They are also essential to the declaration was made before two citizens and could often be work done by farriers. witnesses, almost anybody had the recognised by strangers by their authority to conduct the marriage presence at their forge and anvil ceremony. As much as the author of this article, would like to have been able to The Old Blacksmith’s Shop, built write, that the anvil on this page was In the 18th and 19th century almost around 1712, and Gretna Hall one on which marriages were every European village had a Blacksmith’s Shop (1710) became, solemnised at Gretna Green or blacksmith and some carried on the in popular folklore at least, the focal anywhere else this blacksmith’s trade near inns or staging posts. tourist points for the marriage trade. anvil is one which John Leary, The Old Blacksmith’s opened to the photographed in a recent visit to the Local folklore has it that at Gretna public as a visitor attraction as early Lithgow Mining Museum. Green it was not unknown for the as 1887. blacksmith to be one of the two Nevertheless, the anvil has an witnesses. Since 1929 both parties in Scotland interesting history, as Ray Christison have had to be at least 16 years writes on the following page. The blacksmiths in Gretna Green old, but they still may marry without became known as “anvil priests” parental consent. The local But well blacksmith and before Gretna his anvil have Green the become the concept of an lasting anvil may symbols of predate Gretna Green, humanity. Scotland Chimpanzees weddings have been where the observed ceremony is using large usually sticks as performed hammers to over an iconic crack nuts, blacksmith’s using logs as anvil. anvils.

An anvil photograhed at Lithgow Mining Museum by John Leary,OAM

HERITAGE 12 March - April 2012 Large anvils still used by resident blacksmith at Lithgow Mining Museum In its heyday the Lithgow State Coal Mine employed numerous blacksmiths, farriers and welders.

These men made and sharpened tools, repaired machinery, shod horses and ensured that the haulage ropes in the mine were safe and functional.

They worked from the large workshops building located at the northern end of the colliery headworks.

These were tough, muscular men who gained a reputation for their physical prowess.

Many trained in the art of boxing and quite a few obtained Reg Kerrison, former Lithgow State Coal Mine master blacksmith championship status. working on an anvil at a colliery in the Illawarra.

Blacksmith’s striker Billy Boyce When the mine closed in 1964 the When the NSW Government came close to winning gold in his blacksmiths’ shop was cleaned out Railway Workshops at Chullora class at the 1948 Olympics. and was used for storage. were closed in the late 1990s the City of Greater Lithgow Mining Museum Inc was offered the Heritage and the internet seminar blacksmithing equipment from that BMACHO, with a generous grant Each speaker plans to distribute a facility. from Telstra Connected Seniors list of relevant websites for the program, will be offering a public benefit of those attending. This was gratefully received and seminar on Heritage and the formed the basis of a major internet on Thursday, May 10 at The seminar will be held in the restoration. 9.30 am. meeting room of the Blue Mountains Historical Society at Hobby’s Among the pieces gifted to the Speakers will include Dr. Carol Reach, 99-101 Blaxland Road, museum were two large Liston (UWS), Michael Lech Wentworth Falls. engineering anvils. (Historic Houses Trust) and Dr. Peter Rickwood (UNSW and For further details: phone Barrie These are now regularly used by Blackheath). They will be speaking Reynolds 4757 4725; email the museum’s resident blacksmith on the internet in heritage research, [email protected] . and others involved in training in the management and researching courses. of museum collections and as a tool Refreshments will be available and for publishing historical journals. a gold coin donation will be The Chullora equipment is a appreciated. significant ensemble within the museum’s collection.

BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORY The Chullora blacksmiths’ shop manufactured components for CONFERENCE 2012 railway carriages and locomotives. To be held at the historic Carrington Hotel, During the Second World War this equipment was turned to the Katoomba on, Satutrday, October 20 manufacture of Beaufort bombers Conference title: Colonial Society and Sentinal tanks. The anvils are an important For further information and early bookings (capacity component of this historic limited to 120 participants) contact Jan Koperberg at ensemble. [email protected] or [email protected]

HERITAGE 13 March - April 2012 Wall hangings recalls pioneer ancestors RECENTLY the Lithgow Learning Centre (Library) was the venue for The Lithgow & District Family History Society Inc. to celebrate the launch of a wall hanging in remembrance of pioneer ancestors.

Each member took a calico square and either embroidered, painted or sketched the details of their pioneers who arrived in the colony in 1788 - 1888.

The idea came from local member Velma McFadden and the hanging was designed by the members, the squares were then sewn together by Margaret Buckley and Sandra Haley.

The quilting was done by Lyn and Graham Husdon from Portland and the society would like to thank them both very much for the wonderful job they did with the quilting. . Lithgow Family History Society president Eleanor Martin and Daryl Jenkins beside the wall hanging The wall hanging was unveiled by wall hanging and the finished For further information contact on Daryl Jenkins the son of the late project. (02) 63531089 on Tuesday nights Yvonne Jenkins who was the from 6 - 9pm or on Fridays from founding member and first president Visitors and members were served 10am - 4pm or Helen Taylor (02) of the society. morning tea at the launch and this 63557231 or email gave them time to relate stories of [email protected] Daryl spoke of his mother’s love of their ancestors while being able to family history and how for many enjoy viewing the quilt. Cox’s Road years she spent gathering information on both her own family The wall Hanging will be on display and that of many other local at the Learning Centre until Friday, walk at Linden families. March 16. GLENBROOK & District Historical Society will conduct a walk along the She was an incredible lady and There is also a book with Cox’s Road at Linden on April 28. would have loved to have been information on each pioneer present to see the concept of the available for anyone to view. Along the Linden section of the Cox’s road there remain some excellent relics of carriageway and Blue Mountains an Illustrated sandstone kerbs hand chiselled by convicts for whom work on the road represented emancipation as they Souvenir laboured for their freedom. Photographer, Andrew Merry, in his The images offered are of cloud exhibition Blue Mountains: an filled valleys, cliff edges, brooding Dr Grace Karskens writes in An Illustrated Souvenir responds to landscapes, valley floors, fires historical and archaeological study how the Blue Mountains has been and the rejuvenation of the bush. of Cox’s Road and earlycrossing of represented in art over the past the Blue Mountains NSW , 1988 ‘... 200 years. In doing so this exhibition Cox following the example of other presents both a critique of clichéd magistrates freely used the promise The exhibition at Everglades views and an enjoyment in ‘acting of pardons as payment for all Historic House, Leura is open by out’ these clichés. aspects of the roadwork ... ’A total of appointment from 11am to 4pm 39 road labourers received between Locations for the photographs from now until 15 April 15 them 35 emancipations, 3 free include the , pardons and one ticket of leave a His photographs explore popular Hanging Rock, and the Grose and further seven were emancipated for visual styles including ‘the Jamison Valleys. Enquiries to supplying horses and carts’. sublime’, the picturesque and the 4784 1938 postcard traditions. For enquiries about the walk, contact Doug Knowles on 4751 3275.

HERITAGE 14 March - April 2012 Walk beneath the trade union banner LITHGOW STATE MINE Heritage Park is privileged to again host the Sydney Trades Hall collection of trade union banners.

Representing almost 150 years of trade union tradition these magnificent hand painted banners are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

They are rarely available for viewing by the public as there are few spaces large enough for them to be hung.

The former Lithgow State Mine Bath House is an ideal place in which to display the banners. With its open space and high ceiling They can be viewed during museum The bath house was originally the bath house provides a opening hours, which are noon to constructed in 1923 as a power wonderful place to display the 4pm Saturdays, Sundays, school station for the colliery. In 1928 it banners. and public holidays. was decommissioned and converted to accommodate showers The State Mine’s associations with Group bookings are welcome at and change rooms for the more the history of the Miners’ Federation other times. than 700 men who worked in the of Australia also make it a most mine. appropriate venue for this Admission fees are $5 per adult and exhibition. $3 concession. Tours can be booked by contacting the museum Free journals The banners will be on display at at [email protected] or by the State Mine until the end of April phoning museum president Ray available 2012. Christison on 6353 1812. THE following free offer will be of particular interest to members, Venturing above and beyond both librarians and curators of museums, societies and also PENRITH City Council and Library’s A century later in 1911, William individual researchers. History conference Venturing Above Ewart purchased a plane and and Beyond will be held on brought it to Penrith to learn to fly. Back copies of the following Saturday, March 10. He was the first pilot to obtain his heritage and museum publications pilot’s licence in Australia in are available: This year the conference will be December of that year. looking at the crossing of the Blue Australian Heritage Mountains and also hear about the In January 1912 he established an Museums Australia first flight over the Nepean area. aviation school at Penrith before Museum Matters (NSW) transferring his operations to Ham Artbeat (Fed Dept Arts) The was the Common (Richmond RAAF) Artfiles Arts Directory 2004 launching point for many Sydney University Museums News adventurers exploring the Blue Keynote speaker at this year’s Museums Journal (UK) Mountains in search of new lands conference is Associate Professor Museum Practice (UK) for the fledgling colony. Ian Jack, who will present some Conservation Perspectives (Getty history and development of the Institute) Men such as William Dawes, District of Evan. George Caley and Francis Barrallier also attempted the crossing prior to 1813 Dr Jack will be joined by Dr Grace CAM, Cambridge University and the conference will Karskens, who will be talking about Magazine acknowledge the efforts of these her research on Castlereagh. Peter Oxford Today University Magazine early explorers. Finlay will be introducing the early aviators in the Penrith area – Contact: Barrie Reynolds phone At this time the settlement at William Ewart and Leslie Jones. 4757 4725; email Castlereagh was less than 20 years [email protected] old and the large estates along the For more information, cost and river were not much more than registration phone Penrith Library bushland. (02) 4732 7687 or e-mail [email protected]

HERITAGE 15 March - April 2012 From the editors mail box...... Old Hartley bridge on Great Western Highway PAUL CARDOW who kindly initially, giving me reason to check contributed the image (at right) of the remains of the old bridge. the old Hartley bridge circa. 1920s which appeared in HERITAGE Apart from this, I really enjoyed your January - February edition has article and the related articles. written: ‘I’m not trying to be pedantic, but the Old Hartley Bridge I’m more than impressed that Cox’s is part of the Great Western road is to be marked out and Highway, not Road. signposted. It would be nice to see Bonaventure and the Old Coach The original caption inscribed on Roads at Rydal marked out before the glass plate, did say Jenolan they disappear as well. Bob Debus Caves Road, which threw me Thanks for the correction Editor to reflect on More accolades SEVERAL MONTHS AGO From Lithgow City Councillor and 30 years in HERITAGE published some of the managing director Westfund, bouquets received in the e-mail. Grahame Danaher: An excellent politics publication. Now published are a few more. THE BERYL McLaughlin lecture 2012 will be delivered by former From Christo Aitken, Blue state and federal minister, Bob From Dorothy Warwick, Holroyd Mountains City Council’s heritage Debus on Saturday, March 3 at Local History Research: Once advisor: I was on the mailing list the Wentworth Falls School of again, can I congratulate you on a previously and did receive a couple Arts. great newsletter! I have passed it of your newsletters but you’re on to various other groups that I right…at some time a gremlin must The annual lecture honouring the belong to as it is such an interesting have dropped me off the list. memory of the Blue Mountains read. Congratulations and best Thanks for putting me back. It’s a Historical Society’s principal wishes. great newsletter…much time and benefactor, presents the effort spent by yourselves on its reflections of prominent Blue From John White, webmaster, production…and good that you’re Mountains citizens on both early Campbelltown-Airds Historical readership is building. Society Inc: I received the Jan/Feb and contemporary life in this region. newsletter via Stella Vernon who From Julie Nixon, Holroyd has forwarded it to me. I’m very Historical Family Group: I am pleased to see the list of research Mr Debus was the state member currently researching my family who for Blue Mountains from 1981 to web sites with journals of explorers grow bigger and bigger the more I in this edition. 1988 and 1995 to 2007 when he dig through our past. I look forward turned to federal politics as the to receiving your newsletter, You have saved many people a lot member for Macquarie retiring HERITAGE. of time by doing the searches for Minister for Home Affairs after one term in 2010. these sites, now to just get time to From Ken Goodlet, local historian read them. Thanks again, look and author: Once again, a great Previous lectures have included forward to future editions. edition of HERITAGE. There is so the historian Dr Jim Smith and much there that I’m interested in. artist John Ellison.

TH All are welcome to the 10.30am FRIDAY 13 TWILIGHT TOUR lecture with admission by gold IT IS ALMOST as if organisers of Hear stories of the eccentric and coin donation. Morning tea is ‘twilight tour’ for Friday, April 13 at colourful characters who resided at available from 10am. Woodford Academy are tempting the Inn since the 1830’s. Be The Wentworth Falls School of fate. welcomed along the front verandah by genial host of the 1840s, Mr Arts is located on the Great Western Highway at Wentworth In March 1843, the convict George Buss. Falls, a short distance from Conway, who was renowned for Wentworth Falls Railway Station. constantly escaping from his Tours commence 6pm, 6.30pm, Parking is available in the village guards, met his end at Woodford 7pm and 7.30pm. or at nearby Pitt Park. Academy; some say his spirit Cost $20 adult, $10 child. Supper resides here still. included. Bookings essential prior to April 9 to 4758 7809.

HERITAGE 16 March - April 2012 Two Blue Mountains Family History authors receive awards THE WINNERS of two awards were “This piece on war-time washing not announced last month by Vicki only captured what went on during Edmunds, manager, libraries and washday but caught a lot of the customer services for Blue social nuances that are hard to Mountains City Council, when she document. (Clothes-props, the made presentations to Rhonda health inspector, what it is like to Flowers of Woodford and Jo Adam have a husband MIA), Vickie said. of Lawson after judging contributions to The Explorers’ Tree Blue Mountains Family History magazines for 2011. Society decided during 2011 to create The Coolgardie Safe award Commenting on the winning article because so many articles submitted for The Bob Howard award for best to the magazine did not fit the Bob researched article: Families at War Howard award criteria. “Lest We Forget” by Rhonda These are the stories that can be Flowers, (The Explorers Tree Above Viki Edmunds with Rhonda March 2011), Vicki said it was a easily forgotten and lost, if not put into print. Flowers and below Viki with Jo well written article that sets the Adams scene by explaining where the Woodford War Memorial is, the Rhonda and Jo were both recent history of the site and then presented with certificates and their the background to the monument. names will go on the shield in the family history section of Springwood “The reader gets an insight into library. some of the names on the war memorial. President of the Blue Mountains Family History Society Inc. Jan “Rhonda has linked family Koperberg said, thanks go to Vicki members, discovered resting Edmunds for agreeing to judge the places and personalised an award and for her comments about otherwise static sculpture. both articles.

“I especially enjoyed the postscript The society’s thanks also go to at the end of the article which Rhonda Flowers and Jo Adam for encourages us all to remember the understanding the importance of stories and families behind the research and recording memories. names on a war memorial Text and photographs contributed by Jan Koperberg, president Blue whenever we visit any town Mountains Family History Society Inc. throughout Australia.”

The Coolgardie Safe award for best article that does not fit the criteria Newsletter editor calls it a day for Bob Howard award, but which is AFTER 15 years as editor of Mt society and thanks to Elspeth, we worth preserving and exudes a Wilson & Mt Irvine Historical enjoy a very positive reputation breath of fresh air was won by Jo Society Inc, Elspeth Callender throughout the heritage sector and Adam’s entry A Walk Through my has called it a day. among our peer groups,” childhood – Tuesday is Washday (The Explorers Tree March 2011.) During this period Elspeth has Elspeth will now devote her time to advanced her career as a editing and pulling together the Jo did a wonderful job recreating freelance writer and highly skilled large body of research and writing her memory of washday in 1942 professional editor. She has which Mary Reynolds and others Australia. worked for the Mt Wilson & Mt have deposited into the society’s Irvine Historical Society in an archive, with the aim of producing a “She set the scene very visually entirely voluntary capacity with manuscript ready for publication and I could even smell the story in diligence and dedication. which will present a history of Mt some parts. Wilson in an enjoyable, readable Former president of the Mt Wilson and saleable form. “It reminded me of watching my & Mt Irvine Historical Society, grandmothers’ wrestle with their Florence Smart has said, “That The society has received a grant coppers and refusing any modern along with the Turkish Bath, the towards this project from the Royal up to date washing machines. newsletter is the public face of the Australian Historical Society

HERITAGE 17 March - April 2012 Awards for three Valley Heights Rail Museum members THREE MEMBERS OF VALLEY Heights Rail Museum have received recognition with awards from the Office of Rail Heritage (OHR)

They are Brian Coker, Dick Butcher and Phil Robinson

Brian Coker joined the fledgling Rail Transport Museum at the inaugural meeting in October 1962.

In 1964, two years after the formation of the NSW Rail Transport Museum, Brian Coker was elected to the position of treasurer.

Brian remained treasurer for the next 13 years, standing down from the position in the late 1970s. For the next 10 years, he extended his Pictured left to right are Ted Mullett, Peter Berriman and Marianne assistance to the various treasurers Hammerton (OHR) with award recipients Dick Butcher (second from as required. left) and Phil Robinson (right), Brian Coker (inset left ) Photographs: courtesy of Andrew Tester. It was during that time, that Brian Brian has also been active in the volunteer counterparts and has joined a locomotive restoration Museum’s retail department both at assisted many kindred team led by Bob Booth (and later Thirlmere and at Valley Heights organisations with his expertise. Tony Eyre) working at firstly, providing customer service to the Petersham Cable Shed, then the museum’s clients. In recent times Dick has been RTM site at Enfield locomotive called upon to assist with some depot. Brian remained with the Richard (Dick) Butcher joined the extensive heavy duty welding group until the ultimate move of the NSW Rail Transport Museum in repairs to exhibits belonging to the RTM from Enfield to Thirlmere. 1966. Dick has had an extensive Steam Tram & Railway service in various RTM activities at Preservations Society, at Valley In the 1980s, treasurer’s duties Enfield, Thirlmere and more recent Heights. During this past year were, at times, carried out by a times at Valley Heights. Richard was asked to assist number of members (including at Lachlan Valley Railway (LVR) with one stage, a full time paid These activities have included some repairs to Steam Locomotive employee), but Brian Coker was supervisory roles, running fitter on 5917’s firebox. given the unofficial duty of assistant many RTM mainline tours and to the treasurer, a task which Brian exhibit restoration of locomotives This required a highly skilled and performed long after he retired from 5910 and 5711. Dick’s passion for knowledgeable person in the field of full time employment. the railway preservation movement welding. Dick is well known within continued when the Eveleigh the railway preservation movement As late as the year 2011, Brian railway precinct was under early for his welding abilities and as a assisted with RTM accounts, threat of redevelopment. result of his efforts LVR’s wages, and general financial duties, locomotive boiler has successfully having worked at the various RTM Having worked part of his career completed hydrostatic tests. offices at Burwood, Redfern, within the confines of Eveleigh Loco Thirlmere and Central Station. and the Large Erecting Shop, Dick Richard also provided a training knew of the industrial treasure that workshop to members of the Valley Apart from 49 years of continuous still existed at Eveleigh and led a Heights Division of the RTM in the voluntary work for the NSW RTM at personal campaign, writing many use of the MIG Welding machine. Enfield, Thirlmere and Sydney, letters to relevant authorities with Brian carries out voluntary financial the aim of preserving what was left These members lacked the work for the Valley Heights group. of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops. knowledge in the use of this Brian has been part of that group valuable piece of equipment and for more than five years performing Over the years Dick has passed on Dick provided his expertise and the role of treasurer during that his vast knowledge in his railway training from his many years in the whole time. trade of welding to many of his welding trade to insure it is correct.

HERITAGE 18 March - April 2012 Western crossing commemoration 2013-15 great ideas - thoughts - just being talked about or its really going to happen

Crossing! a Play Business supporting Wendy Blaxland, the great-great- great-great grand-daughter of the Bicentenary explorer has made an impressive presentation to BLUE MOUNTAINS commercial a recent meeting of the Western interests have formed Business Crossing committee concerning the Supporting Bicentenary (BSB) with production of a play Crossing! a view to securing an estimated $3 million in government grants and The play looks at the personalities company sponsorship needed to of the three explorers, the make the Blue Mountains circumstances that led convicts, Bicentenary Crossing reach its military personnel and free settlers potential. to leave their homes in England to come to a unfamiliar land, the BSB funded by local businessmen crossing itself and its consequences Phil Hammon of Scenic World) and and the attitude of the Aboriginal Tom Colless (Colless Foods) has inhabitants of the area. prepared a prospectus document and information guide which Wendy told the meeting, “Crossing! includes a core of 12 Blue is a re-creation of the expedition led Mountains major events spread by actors, with satisfying ways for over the years 2013, 2014 and its audience to be involved, not a 2105. theatrical spectacle to watch. Some individuals from the audience will Among the proposals are: become members of the expedition, and the audience itself will act as • a bicentenary launch in the Blue Mountains terrain, be February 2013 featuring a Randall Walker, chairperson invited to participate in songs and grand parade at the Echo Blue Mountains, Lithgow and celebrate vital moments with the Point precinct, a fly over, Oberon Tourism actors. The audience will entertainment, fireworks people to the European experience the hardships and and an illumination display; crossing; excitements of the crossing through • a. Crossing Milestones drama, suspense and humour. • A Road Builders Festival to feature a re- Celebration involving “The creative team will be enactment of explorers descendants of Cox and professionals. The actors will Blaxland, Wentworth and others, soldiers and period interact with the audience to help Lawson three-weeks costume, hands on populate the stage with the journey of discovery over activities such as stone convicts, horses and dogs who the Blue Mountains in May accompanied the three named 1813, village events, Phil and Tom are joined on the explorers, and the entire audience fireworks, community and committee by leading businessmen will become the terrain through sporting events, Randall Walker, Bruce Ferrier and which they travelled. illumination of icons such others. as Carrington Hotel “Music will be an integral part of the chimney, Three Sisters, Randall Walker, chairperson Blue show, and songs will provide an bridges;. Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon authentic feeling of the early 19th Tourism, said crossing bicentenary • an Aboriginal art and century. Costumes and props will events in the Blue Mountains have cultural event that explores help the audience travel back the potential to reach an annual the response of indigenous imaginatively in time. The play will audience of five million visitors. last 50 minutes.

“As an experienced writer and Grand parade of descendants theatre professional, I will write, MT VICTORIA & District Historical William Cox and convict labourers direct and produce this production. Society is planning a grand parade who built the first road. Organisers Other creative talents are being of descendants. The parade will are planning to carry horse drawn assembled, from an experienced recreate a similar event held for the drays some of the parade and distinguished composer 175th anniversary. The society will particiapnts unable to take the walk through to young people with whom seek out descendents of Blaxland, to Mt York on May 28, 2013. I have worked for some time,” she Wentworth and Lawson as well as said

HERITAGE 19 March - April 2012 State Library puts $1.8m, 194-year Australiana album on show A REMARKABLE 194-year-old sharing this important artefact that album of previously unknown has obvious historical and emotional drawings of colonial Sydney, significance to Newcastle,” says Dr Newcastle and its Indigenous Alex Byrne, NSW State Librarian and people, was publicly unveiled at the chief executive. Newcastle Art Gallery recently by NSW Arts Minister George Souris. “This remarkable album is the most significant pictorial artefact to have The Wallis Album was found in the been made in colonial NSW during back of a cupboard of a deceased the 1810s and is a fantastic addition estate in Ontario, Canada, in to the Mitchell Library’s unrivalled An untitled drawing by October last year before the State collection relating to the history of Joseph Lycett Library of NSW secured its passage our nation,” says Dr Byrne. ancestors,” said Mitchell Librarian home to Australia for $1.8 million. Richard Neville. The Wallis collection comprises 35 The album was largely created and watercolours and drawings of “The album includes a Lycett view compiled some 194 years ago by Sydney and regional views of NSW, of Sydney Cove as well as one of Captain James Wallis, Commandant portraits of Aborigines and natural Wallis’ portraits which feature of Newcastle between 1816 and history illustrations made in Burigon with whom he shared many 1818. Newcastle in 1818 by Captain Wallis pleasurable hunting expeditions. and convict artist Joseph Lycett. “The State Library is committed to Wallis album includes early connecting the original documents “Wallis painted named portraits of sketches of paintings by Lycett that of Australia with local communities, Awakabal Aboriginal people from the are featured on the Macquarie and we’re thrilled to be partnering Newcastle area which are incredibly Collector’s Chest c. 1818, which with the Newcastle Art Gallery in rare records of this community’s Wallis gave to Governor Macquarie to thank him for his patronage. BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. REGISTERED OFFICE 14 Bunnal Ave, Winmalee 2777 MEMBERSHIP The following organisations are members of E-mail: [email protected] or BMACHO: Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, [email protected] Blue Mountains City Library, Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage Website: www.bluemountains.heritage.com Centre, Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc., Blue ABN 53 994 839 952 Mountains Family History Society Inc., Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism Limited, Blue Mountains World THE ORGANISATION Blue Mountains Association of Heritage Institute, Cudgegong Museums Group Inc., Eskbank Cultural Organisations Inc. (BMACHO) was established Rail Heritage Centre, Everglades Historic House & Gardens, in April 2006 following a unanimous response to a Friends of Norman Lindsay Gallery, Glenbrook & District proposal from Professor Barrie Reynolds at the 2004 Historical Society Inc., Hartley Valley District Progress Blue Mountains Local History Conference which sought Association, Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Society Inc, from Blue Mountains City Council the creation of a Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort, Lithgow and District Family cultural heritage strategy for the city. History Society Inc., Lithgow Mining Museum Inc., Lithgow Regional Library – Local Studies, Lithgow Small Arms Factory BMACHO in its constitution uses the definition: “Cultural Museum Inc, Mid-Mountains Historical Society Inc, Mt Victoria heritage is all aspects of life of the peoples of the Blue and District Historical Society Inc., Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Mountains which was later changed to cover Lithgow and History Society Inc. (including Turkish Bath Museum), the villages along the Bell’s Line of Roads. It therefore Mudgee Historical Society Inc., Mudgee Regional Library, involves the recording, preserving and interpreting of National Trust of Australia (NSW) - Blue Mountains Branch, information in whatever form: documents, objects, National Trust of Australia (NSW) - Lithgow Branch, Scenic recorded memories as well as buildings and sites.” World – Blue Mountains Limited, Springwood & District Historical Society Inc., Springwood Historians Inc., Transport The objectives of the organisation are: Signal and Communication Museum Inc., The Darnell i. To raise public consciousness of Collection Pty Ltd, Valley Heights Locomotive Depot and the value of cultural heritage. Museum, Woodford Academy Management Committee, Zig ii. To encourage and assist cultural Zag Railway Co-op Ltd. The following are individual members: heritage activities of member organisations. Ray Christison, Associate Professor Ian Jack, Joan Kent, iii. To initiate and support cultural John Leary OAM, John Low, Ian Milliss, Pastsy Moppett, heritage activities not already covered by Professor Barrie Reynolds, Dr Peter Rickwood and Dr Peter member organisations. Stanbury OAM.

One of the aims of BMACHO is to bring the various COMMITTEE The committee for 2011-12 is: Pamela Smith bodies into closer contact, to encourage them to work (president), Ian Jack (vice president), Jan Koperberg more closely together and to provide a combined voice (secretary), Joan Kent (treasurer), Jean Arthur, Doug on matters of importance within the heritage sector. Knowles, John Leary, Dick Morony (public officer), Kathie McMahon-Nolf, Barrie Reynolds and Peter Stanbury. HERITAGE BMACHO’s official newsletter is edited by John Leary, OAM. .AFFILIATIONS BMACHO is a member of the Royal Australian Historical Society Inc. Blue Mountains History Journal is edited by Dr Peter Rickwood.

HERITAGE 20 March - April 2012