ÒNurungiÓRemembered OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE CONCORD HERITAGE SOCIETY email: [email protected] www.concordheritage.asn.au

EDITOR No.108 March 2005 LOIS MICHEL 9744-8528 ABOUT SAINT PATRICK PRESIDENT TRISH HARRINGTON Saint Patrick is believed to have been born Why Saint Patrick’s Day? 9764-3296 in the late fourth century, and is often con- Saint Patrick’s Day has come to be asso- fused with Palladius, a bishop who was sent PUBLIC RELATIONS ciated with everything Irish: anything by Pope Celestine in 431 to be the first green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most TRISH SKEHAN bishop to the Irish believers in Christ. 9743-4172 importantly, to those who celebrate its in- Saint Patrick was the patron saint and na- tended meaning, St. Patrick’s Day is a tra- SECRETARY/TREASURER tional apostle of Ireland who is credited with ditional day for spiritual renewal and LOIS MICHEL bringing Christianity to Ireland. Most of offering prayers for missionaries world- 3 Flavelle Street what is known about him comes from his two wide. (P.O. Box 152) works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiog- Concord 2137 So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? raphy, and his Epistola, a denunciation of One theory is that this was the day that St. Phone: 9744-8528 British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Fax: 9744-7591 Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Saint Patrick described himself as a “most Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish * humble-minded man, pouring forth a con- spread out around the world, they took with MEETINGS tinuous paean of thanks to his Maker for them their history and celebrations. The General Meetings having chosen him as the instrument biggest observance of all is, of course, in 2nd Wednesday of month whereby multitudes who had worshipped Ireland. With the exception of restaurants at 7:30 pm in the idols and unclean things had become the and pubs, almost all businesses close on Concord Citizens’ Centre people of God.” March 17th. Being a religious holiday as 9 Wellbank Street, Concord Saint Patrick is most known for driving the well, many Irish attend mass, where March Phone: 8765-9155 snakes from Ireland. It is true there are no 17th is the traditional day for offering snakes in Ireland, but there probably never prayers for missionaries worldwide before Executive Meetings the serious celebrating begins. 4th Wednesday of month have been - the island was separated from at 7:45 pm in the the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice In cities all around the world with a large Concord Citizens’ Centre Age. As in many old pagan religions, ser- Irish population, St. Patrick’s Day is a very pent symbols were common and often wor- big deal. Big cities and small towns alike Walker Estates Committee shipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland celebrate with parades, “wearing of the 1st Wednesday of month was probably symbolic of putting an end to green,” music and songs, Irish food and Concord Citizens’ Centre that pagan practice. drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, Graham Packett, 9743-3007 While not the first to bring Christianity to Ire- colouring and games. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams Other Committees land, it is Patrick who is said to have encoun- green! As arranged tered the Druids at Tara and abolished their Watch the newsletter pagan rites. The story holds that he con- http://www.st-patricks-day.com/ verted the warrior chiefs and princes, bap- about_saintpatrick.asp Museum tizing them and thousands of their subjects Fred Stansfield, 9743-1866 in the “Holy Wells” that still bear this name. There are several accounts of Saint Patrick’s Archives/Local History death. One says that Patrick died at Saul, Kate Skillman, 9706-7479 Downpatrick, Ireland, on March 17, 460 A.D. His jawbone was preserved in a silver shrine Heritage and was often requested in times of child- Bob Jones, 8765-9347 birth, epileptic fits, and as a preservative against the “evil eye.” Oral/Family History Lola Sharp, 8753-0659 Another account says that St. Patrick ended his days at Glastonbury, England and was * buried there. The Chapel of St. Patrick still 13th April: Dave Craddock from the CONCORD exists as part of Glastonbury Abbey. Department of Defence speaking HERITAGE MUSEUM Today, many Catholic places of worship all on “Early Aeronautics in Australia 5 Wellbank Street around the world are named after St. prior to 1904”. He has also writ- Open 2:00 - 4:00 pm Patrick, including cathedrals in New York and ten books on Gliders and Glider on 1st and 3rd Dublin city designers. Wednesdays & Saturdays Come, visit our Museum . . . earthquake were brought to peoples and reels, though it’s viewed now as homes in much the same way as televi- merely a child’s toy. sion does today. Being able to see in stereo was not The Stereoscope Children’s stories and fairy tales were seen as anything other than entertain- A physicist and Professor of Experi- very popular and even such mundane ment until vertical aerial photography mental Philosophy, Sir Charles things as shoe making and tobacco came in after WWII. Wheatstone (1802-1875) invented growing found their way onto these How it works the predecessor to the ‘modern’ cards. Stereoscopic views are made with a stereoscope in 1838, but the origi- Humorous ones were also produced, nal stereoscope was a large table special camera fitted with two lenses usually entailing some form of pun and which takes two simultaneous pic- mounted item that required a rela- often of a mildly risqué nature. tively large amount of space as well tures of the same subject side by side as money. One company, to promote the use of on the same plate. stereo viewing as a way to see the Each picture is taken from a slightly At the time of this invention photog- world, advertised their selection of pic- raphy was not available and hand different viewpoint that corresponds tures by using a quote by Carl closely to the spacing of the eyes. drawn pictures were used. How- Sandberg, “The best substitute for intel- ever, with the advent of photogra- The left picture represents what the ligent travel is intelligent use of left eye would see, and likewise for the phy the popularity of the stereographs”. stereoscope increased right picture. When observing the In the early days of photography, such picture through a special viewer, the After Queen Victoria took a fancy to was the popularity of stereographs that pair of two-dimensional pictures the stereoscope at the Crystal Pal- in short order over half of the house- merge together into single three-di- ace Exposition in 1851, stereo holds in the UK and US owned a stere- mensional photograph. viewing became all the rage in Brit- oscope and had a selection of views on We can see a 3D picture through a ain. The United States trailed be- hand for enjoyment of family and friends. hind for a short time, but in the stereoscope for the same reason a 1850s Oliver Wendell Holmes They provided an escape for people who building appears three-dimensional. helped to popularise this brand new never had a chance to see much of the The right and left eyes see a slightly entertainment industry with his world. Without access to long distance different version of the same scene, compact hand- transport, television or movie theatres and taken together, we get an illusion held stere- this was the only way for people to see of depth. oscopic the world first-hand. viewer The stereoscopic pic- which soon tures acted as Victorian dominated the world travel guides, story tell- market and became the ers, educators and standard stereoscopic de- even pornography. vice for decades. The stereoscopic pho- By the 1850s the stereographs, a tograph persisted for 3 x 6 inch card with two nearly iden- nearly a century, be- tical photographic images mounted tween 1850 and 1950, side by side (each recorded from and was nearly as per- slightly different perspective to cre- vasive in its time as tel- ate the illusion of three-dimensions) evision has become in were being commercially produced our time. and quickly became one of the The stereoscope tradi- most popular means of armchair tion continues even to- travel. The production of these day in the form of stereoscopes allowed people to sit Viewmaster viewers in their own home and tour the world. Are there any members out there who Photographers travelled the world Yaralla Open Day think they would like to become taking stereoscopic photographs for a population who were unable to Sunday, 3rd April guides? Come along and do a cou- travel widely themselves ple of tours with our regulars - you’ll Have you called in yet to let the secre- see how easy it is - and we supply all The most popular photographs, tary know you will be helping? the documentation you need. judging from the number that you still find around, were travelogue Several of our regulars will be unable to To our general members - this is your types that showed the world - from help on the day due to other commit- society and we need your help. We the abbeys and countrysides of Eu- ments so we are very short handed - know that some of you are unable to rope, to the pyramids and tombs of particularly with the Devonshire teas tackle any of this physical work, but ancient Egypt, to the sights of New (only 5 volunteers). there must be many of you who can York, London and other major cit- So far we only have four house tour still give us an hour or two. ies. In addition, the great events guides and four grounds tour guides - of the day found their way onto the These days are our major fund-rais- stereo slides. The building of the this is only half the number we need. ing efforts to bring in money to help Panama Canal, the terrors of war Where are all those who indicated they us with the restoration work at Yaralla. and the destruction of such natural wanted to learn and did practice tours on The secretary is waiting patiently by disasters as the San Francisco the last open day? the phone. Discovery After Dark tralian Centre of Photography, Aus- With over 30 venues to visit within six tralian Heritage Fleet – James Craig, hours, it’s a race against the clock to One night of the year Australian Museum, Australian Na- ensure you make it around to all your Saturday, 2nd April. tional Maritime Museum, Government favourite places. Stay out late with ’s Art, House, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, The Rocks, , The Do- History and Heritage. Justice & Police Museum, Museum main & Macquarie Street of Australian Currency Notes – Re- Sydney is an amazing city. From fa- Wander down the cobblestone lane mous icons to little known treasures, serve Bank of Australia, Museum of ways, catch the magical harbour the city hosts a feast of experience Contemporary Art, Museum of Free- views along the way and experience and cultural expressions of who we masonry, Museum of Sydney, Pow- a precinct steeped in history. Visit are. Discovery After Dark is a erhouse Museum, Red Box Gallery – nearly twenty venues along this path, chance to explore all of that – in one Royal Botanic Gardens, S.H. Ervin which are home to most of the major glittering night. Gallery, St Mary’s Cathedral*, State museums and art galleries in Sydney. April 2 is the one night of the year Library of NSW, State Records Gal- Oxford Street, Paddington & when Sydney’s favourite cultural ven- lery, Susannah Place Museum, Syd- Darlinghurst ues open their doors in unison, and ney Jewish Museum**, Sydney Sydney’s east boasts some of the invite you in. Hospital & Sydney Eye Hospital, Syd- city’s most colourful and eclectic ar- Museums, galleries and heritage ven- ney Observatory, Sydney Town Hall, eas. Nestled amongst the beautiful ues host a night of exhibitions, tours Sydney Conservatorium of Music, tree-lined streets of Paddington you and glimpses behind-the-scenes, The Lucy Osburn-Nightingale Mu- will discover intriguing places to visit from 6pm ‘til midnight. Travel be- seum, The Macleay Museum – The where you can learn more about Aus- tween venues on the free bus, enjoy University of Sydney, The Nicholson tralia’s military, study the history of our Jewish citizens and the wonders of the live entertainment and sip your Museum – The University of Sydney, photographic art. complimentary glass of wine while UTS Gallery – The University of Tech- you soak in the festival atmosphere. nology Sydney, University Art Gallery Pyrmont, Darling Harbour & Ultimo Mark it on the calendar. This is an & Great Hall – The University of Syd- Historic buildings next to modern ar- event you will look forward to every ney. chitecture. Discovery After Dark year – an opportunity to get behind *St Mary’s Cathedral open from 7.30pm. buses will take you to some of Syd- doors usually closed at dusk and cel- **Sydney Jewish Museum open from ney’s most loved venues for kids and ebrate all that your city has to offer 7.00pm. grown ups. Don’t miss this opportunity after dark. One prepaid ticket covers entry to all to go behind the scenes at a world Who’s involved? participating venues. famous movie exhibition or wander around one of Australia’s well known At $29.50 that’s exceptional value. More than 30 venues are participat- broadcasting studios. ing including: Australian Broadcast- There are three fantastic ways to visit To read more and check out the venues ing Corporation, Army Museum of Discovery After Dark venues: go to www.discoveryafterdark.com.au Australia, Art Gallery of NSW, Aus-

Yaralla Estate these works are: (a) Peter and sure it remains, and if we can do any- Bob Jones; (b) Graham Packett; thing at all to restore the gardens and At the last Walker Estates Committee (c) Brian & Jann Ogden; and (d) surroundings to their former glory it meeting there was much discussion Trish Skehan. will be worthwhile. on how we can help to preserve this However, these people can’t do all the Put your hands up now! We need estate and big plans are in hand. work on their own. They will need lots you! The first important item was to set up of volunteers to assist with the work We are also look- four “Work Groups” to assist with any with whatever time they can spare. ing for grants to work we undertake. So, if you are a gardener, carpenter help with our These are or even just keen to help, please con- projects, so if you tact the appropriate people and offer * Garden & Landscape - to be re- hear of anything, your services. The more helpers we please let us sponsible for all work concerning have, the more we can accomplish. the land area on the estate know. Volunteers aren’t restricted to our * Buildings & Other Structures - to members, anyone who would like to be responsible for overseeing res- help would be welcome. toration/repair work on the estate We are contacting the Area Health * Heritage Research & Compila- Service seeking permission to carry tion of Records pertaining to all out various jobs on the estate and as to all who helped with the three Walker estates soon as we get the OK, we want to Clean Up Australia Day at Yaralla. * Public Relations/Media to get as get right into it. We collected approximately 14 much publicity as possible for the bags of rubbish - and that was Yaralla is a jewel in Sydney’s crown only a small part of the estate. estate and our efforts. and we want to do all we can to make Please keep this project in mind The people appointed to oversee for next year Places to go - and thing to see . . . Sunday, 10th April, 11:00 am to 4:00 details call 9764-1174 or 9642- pm - Friends of Linnwood. Open 3145. House at Historic Linnwood, 25 Saturday, 7th May, 1:00 to 3:00 pm Byron Road, Guildford. $2 admis- - Strathfield District Historical So- I’ve decided that instead of a banner head- sion. Sausage sizzle, refresh- ciety - “Using the Internet for His- ments and lots of other things to ing I’ll use a photographs of myself - hope toric Research”. The presentation you like it!! see. will demonstrate how to find infor- Sunday, 17th April, 11:00 am to 3:00 mation on the internet and where Museum Roster: We still haven’t heard pm - as part of Holroyd City Coun- to start looking in a live and inter- from any volunteers - particularly for cil’s CityFest 2005, The friends of active presentation. A booklet will Wednesdays. This is only 2 hours every Linnwood invite you to “Pleasant also be available. Afternoon tea couple of weeks and doesn’t need any Past Times at Linnwood”. Sit and served at 1 pm, prior to start of lec- physical exertion - just sitting at the desk watch artists and craftspeople, lots ture. to take the money and answer any ques- tions or refer them back to the secretary. to try, Bonsai Clinic and lots of Royal Australian Historical Society other interests. This will be fol- - You can do it - ring now! lowed by “Rhymes, Rhythms, Writ- ings and Refreshments (4 to 6 pm). Sunday, 17th April, 2:00 pm - The Photographs: We have a large collection Presentations by local artists. Green Square History Project - of photographs which need to be sorted Sausage Sizzle, tea, coffee and public and community history in an (only basic into groups such as people, cold drinks. Free Admission. emerging global landscape. buildings, scenery, etc.) so that we can try to identify them and have them cata- Panoramas, Plants & People - a Wednesday, 20th April, 10:00 am - logued for future reference. Won’t you fabulous exhibition of the changing Fairfield’s Hidden Past. spare an hour or two to help with this. history of the Royal Botanic Gar- Wednesday, 27th April, 10:30 to 12 You can even do this in your own home if dens as we move towards the noon. North Head Artillery Mu- you’d prefer to take the boxes there. 200th anniversary - photographs, seum. etchings, watercolours, museum Photocopying, Filing and Typing: As specimens, bits of statues - and a Wednesday, 4th May, 1:00 pm - you can see from my photographs, I only stuffed tortoise! In the Red Box Forecasting the Weather. have six arms so I need some additional Gallery, in the Brown Building, Mrs. Tuesday, 17th May, 10:00 to 3:00 pm help. Please! Macquaries Road (entry is closed - Let’s have a cup of tea (history A special thank you to David Somers to the Wooloomooloo Gates, near and social customs of tea drinking) who kindly volunteered to become our the Art Gallery) 9:00am to 5:00 Wednesday, 25th May, 5:30 pm - the resident handyman and has already man- pm Monday to Friday. The exhi- 2005 Memorial Ferguson Lecture: aged to complete most of the tasks we bition will be on until the 29th Truth and Fiction: The Bequest of had on the list. Your help is greatly ap- April. Scott Mitchell. preciated. Saturday, 30th April - Strathfield Dis- Saturday, 28th May, 11:00 am - Concord’s Historic Plaques: Some years trict Historical Society - Tour of Hyde Parks Barracks. back the old Concord Council placed brass Churches of Strathfield. Two tours plaques around the area denoting historic Wednesday, 1st June, 1:00 pm - will be held: 10:am to 1:00 pm and sites. These are located at Longbottom Shipwrecks and Maritime Archae- 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. visiting a va- Stockade, Lansdown House, Ardill House, ology riety of churches of various reli- St Luke’s Church, Eadith Walker’s House, gious denominations. Both tours There are small costs involved with Thomas Walker Hospital, Concord Public meet at Strathfield Council Cham- these events and bookings are es- School, Ashton’s Baths, Old Council bers, where participants will board sential. For full details and venues Chambers (Burton Street), Yaralla Cricket a bus for the visits. Cost $15, contact the RAHS on 9247-8001 or Club (Pavilion in Goddard Park), Queen which includes morning or after- [email protected]. Elizabeth Park Woodlands, Longbottom noon tea. Bookings essential. For Cemetery and Concord Golf Club. However, some time back the Longbot- tom Stockade plaque went missing. But A Happy St . . . a short while ago a Peter Webster contacted me to say that he had pur- Patrick’s Day to all chased this plaque at an antiques fair and has kindly given it to us. Hopefully, the our Irish friends. Wed. 23rd March - Executive Meeting Council will restore it to it’s rightful place Sun. 3rd April - Yaralla Open Day very soon. Wed. 13th April - General Meeting Does anyone know the exact location for Wed. 27th April - Executive Meeting the Ashton’s Baths plaque? Who is she? Where did she live? Has Some wise words . . anyone been able to come up with any Don’t tell people how to do things. information that might help us to identify Tell them what to do and let them this lady and where she lived? We want surprise you with their results. to hear from you. We now have a full (George Bernard Shaw). transcript of this diary if any of our mem- ZEAL is like fire - it wants both feed- bers would like to read it, just see the ing and watching (Anon). secretary.