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- District To Lose Two Of Its Most Historic Buildings(article from October 1963) Unless it receives another last minute reprieve, lovely “Rosevale Villa”, for more than ninety years a landmark at the entrance to Rockdale Shopping Centre will soon disappear to make way for a service station. Persistent efforts by this Society to the Rockdale Council for removal of the building on Princes Highway …
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- A Tribute To Jean Elizabeth Preddeyby Jean’s grandson – John Mark Williamson Gran lived right through the greater part of the 20th century and lived a century herself in doing it. This was a great achievement when you consider those times and how Australia was affected by world events in one form or another. Gran’s childhood was growing up while …
- The Eddystone Lighthouseby Bettye Ross At a Service recently our Minister mentioned the Eddystone Lighthouse and said the third builder of this edifice had placed at its base a plaque stating “except the Lord build the house, the builders labor in vain” from Psalm 127:1. This Lighthouse (4th on the site) had been built by John Smeaton. …
- Botany Goods LineThe question of giving railway communication to Botany was considered in 1882 when it was proposed to extend a line from Everleigh, via Waterloo to the Botany area. In 1902 a trial survey was made from Erskineville to Botany and also from Flemington to Belmore, the estimated cost then being 107,933 and 56,738 pounds respectively. …
- Kogarah Golf Clubby Miss Francis Stacey – September 1979 Fifty years ago this year of 1976, saw the establishment of the Kogarah Golf Club. I remember very clearly one day when I was in the Chair at the Dental Surgery of the late Mr Stanley Binns, awaiting my turn to be attended to, when the telephone rang. …
- Cobbitty: A Village Of The Cow PasturesWritten & Illustrated by Gifford & Eileen Eardley The pleasant village of Cobbitty is sited amidst a surround of low grassed hill country, some four miles north of the older established settlement at Camden, which was in the possession of the Macarthur family (of sheep raising fame) as from 1804. It is understood that the …
- Captain James BirnieThe following letter was received by the Secretary in April 1970: In the Bi-centenary issue of the Leader, reference is made to a whaling master Captain James Birnie who gave up the sea to settle in Sydney about 1890 and in the edition of March 18th mention is made of the whereabouts of his headstone. …
- Brighton-Le-Sands: A Suburb Evolved From The SandhillsThe development of Brighton-le-Sands as one of Sydney’s first “model” suburbs was due, almost entirely, to the enterprise of one man. That man was Thomas Saywell. Nowhere in Sydney has the name of one man been so extensively associated with the progress of a particular area and yet, oddly enough, no trace of his name …
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- The Affairs Of James Wilson: An Early Settler Of Rockdaleby Gifford and Eileen Eardley Nestling against a background of scarlet-flowered coral-trees in West Botany Street, Rockdale, is the former home of James Wilson, a four-roomed single-storied building built of cut ashlar stone, which once had a shingled roof, and still retains its small separate kitchen at the rear. It is possible that this old …
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- Thomas Townshend, First Viscount Sydney: The man after whom our city was namedby Alderman R. W. Rathbone Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney, came of an old and very distinguished Norfolk family who are still resident at the family seat, Raynham Hall, near the quaint Tudor market town of Fakenham. They first settled in the area in the early 15th Century and, with the exception of several years …
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- The Affairs Of Isaac Beehag, Dairyman, Rockdaleby Gifford Eardley Isaac Beehag was the eldest son of James and Mary Beehag, being born on July 18th, 1841, the address of his parents then being listed at Liverpool Road, Canterbury. In 1852 the farm property at Canterbury was sold and Isaac, together with the rest of the family, came to reside on a …
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- Book Review: “Into the Unknown: The Tormented Life and Expeditions of Ludwig Leichhardt” by John Bailey396 pages, published by Pan Macmillan 2011 Review by Laurice Bondfield Another recently published book! The author, John Bailey has written two much praised books on Australian history: The White Divers of Broome and Mr Stuart’s Track, and this book is sure to be another. There has not been much non-specialist writing published on Leichhardt …
- Bexley: As I Knew It, from 1895 – 1917Grace (Middenway) Nicholls, Faulconbridge N.S.W. 1963 I have been asked by Mr Philip Geeves, Historian for the St. George District, Sydney, N.S.W., to write some of my early memories of Bexley; also to give a brief outline of the life and work of my father, John Saunders Middenway. I remember so much that it is …
- Cooks River: The History Of Its Early Homes And BridgesCooks River has always played a part in the history of our Municipality therefore, Mrs. I. E. Currey, of the Canterbury and District Historical Society, thinks its story should be told in this the year of the probable sighting of the river by Captain James Cook. Captain Cook, after whom the river was named, apparently …
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- 2022 Ron Rathbone Local History CompetitionInaugurated in 2006, the Ron Rathbone Local History Competition is an initiative to explore and appreciate Bayside’s rich, diverse and vibrant history.Former City of Botany Bay Council and former Rockdale City Council were amalgamated in 2016 to form Bayside Council. The Ron Rathbone Local History Competition now extends to include these two local government areas …
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- The History Of Tempe HouseMay Hook The historic “Tempe House” was built for Alexander Brodie Spark, who owned a large area of land at Cooks River in the early 1800’s, and became a director of the Bank of New South Wales in 1826. “Tempe House” is a stately home of Georgian style set in a number of large gardens, …
- Frog Hollow: Rockdale 70 Years AgoReprinted from the Rockdale Times of April 17, 1947 This account of the early history of Rockdale deals with the period over 70 years ago, when a fine orchard flourished where the Town Hall now rears its proportions; from the Grand Hotel to Bay Street was called “Frog Hollow”, and the oldest Aboriginal at Sans …
- Vale John Isaac Swann (1887 – 1963)The sudden death of the President of the St. George Historical Society, Mr. J. I. Swann, has left in our ranks a large gap which will be extremely difficult to fill. Since its inception some two years ago, Mr. Swann was the driving force and inspiration of this Society. Those of us who were privileged …
- Book Review: “The Biggest Estate on Earth: How Aborigines Made Australia” by Bill Gammage434 pages, published by Allen and Unwin 2011 Review by Laurice Bondfield Most of the history Australian books from Rockdale Library that I’ve so far reviewed have been on the shelves for a few years. This book was published last year, so is quite “hot off the press” by comparison. It is well worth reading …
- The Heritage of Bexleyby Kirsten Broderick, Local History Services Coordinator, Rockdale City Library The National Trust runs a heritage festival every year, and every year Rockdale Council tries to participate in some way. This year, Council is holding a range of activities and I was asked to give a talk at Bexley Library focusing on the heritage of …
- Reminiscences of 1900s Rockdaleby C. W. Napper I have been requested to present a description of the affairs of Rockdale in the early days of my youth, which, so I have been informed, would be of interest to my fellow members of the St. George Historical Society. On a first things first basis, I must mention that I …
- A Convict MaidSarah Bellamy was born in the small Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, the sixth of eight children of Richard and Elizabeth Bellamy, and was baptised on February 3rd 1770 at Holy Trinity Church. The church stands upon a former pagan Saxon burial ground, whilst the village of Belbroughton itself can proudly trace its origins to an …
- Centenary: Banksia Free Church, est. 1890Compiled by Walter G Kirton, Interim Pastor March 1990. Reproduced with Permission (Editor’s note: In 2017, the church, at 316 Princes Highway, Banksia, was sold and refurbished to become the Orthodox Church of St Savvas of Kalymnos). The fact that this independent church has been able to continue a fruitful ministry for Christ our Lord …
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- The Wood-Carters Of Early St. Georgeby B.J. Madden – Kingsgrove In Notes on the Early Life in Peakhurst, written in the 1930’s by Mr George Peake, son of Issac Peake and grandson of John Peake, it is stated that during the Gold Rush in the 1850’s, firewood was carted from the present St. George district to a place in Darlinghurst …
- The Aboriginal Tribes of the Sydney Regionby B. J. Madden – Kingsgrove In the short space of 70 years, the world of the Aboriginal tribes of the Sydney region, which had remained unchanged since the Dreamtime, became a living nightmare. The land which had been theirs alone for so long was suddenly and irretrievably lost to the fair-skinned newcomers of the …
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- The Affairs Of Rose Vale Villa, RockdaleWritten & Illustrated by Gifford and Eileen Eardley William John Iliffe was born in London in the year 1842 and came to Sydney as a young lad in 1852, where he followed various pursuits in the nature of employment. It is evident that he had a natural bent for plant cultivation for he took up …
- The Village of Arncliffeby Mr. V. M. Saunders It is necessary to be aware of a historic plan, of subdivision for most of the area covered by present-day Turrella and Arncliffe which was executed in the year 1861 and was only recently recovered for historical inquiry after lying in obscurity for about 90 years. This comparatively large area …
- An Early Illawarra Suburban Journey – 1890 Periodby Gifford Eardley A journey from Sydney to Hurstville in the early eighteen-nineties passed through a terrain which has been considerably altered, unfortunately not for the better, in the last seventy years or so. In the description of scenes and homes along the route no attempt has been made in this essay to group the …
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- Extracts from the St. George Call – Jubilee Supplement – 1904 – 1954supplied by Mrs E Eardley. 1977 The first issue of the St. George Call was published in January, 1904. The early days were not without the many difficulties which confront those who endeavour to establish a newspaper, and it was to the credit of the founders of the St. George Call that they placed it …
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- Back to Mortdale SchoolAs told by Mr. E. Fletcher, of Frederick Street, PenshurstMr. Fletcher was one of the pupils who enrolled in the opening day of the first Mortdale School, built in 1888.(Booklet obtained by courtesy of Mrs. J. Wotherspoon, Mortdale Public School.) Please note that some of the terms used in this article reflect the attitude of …
- Nominations for Election of Office Holders – July 2022 Annual General MeetingThe Annual General Meeting of the St George Historical Society will be held on Saturday 16th July 2022 at 2pm at Level 3, Rockdale Library. All office holder positions are empty at the time of the AGM.Nominations for positions are to be issued to Secretary no later than 7 days before the AGM.Nominations will also …
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- Captain James Cook R. N.Written by Gifford & Eileen Eardley Please note that some of the terms used in this article reflect the attitude of the author or the period in which the item was written and may be considered inappropriate today. It is questionable if, after a lapse of some two hundred years, there still remains any undiscovered …
- Designing and Dangerous Men: The Story of the Transported Cato Street ConspiratorsThe Cato Street Conspiracy of 23 February 1820 was an attempt by a group of radicals to assassinate the British Cabinet while they dined at the house of Lord Harrowby in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London.This act aimed to precipitate a revolution, depose the King, change Britain into a people’s republic, and liberate Ireland. The conspiracy …
- Henry Kinsela – Gentlemanbased on some recollections of Mrs. A. B. Christison In the mid 1880’s Henry Kinsela took up 27 acres of timbered land at the junction of Forest and Stoney Creek Roads. Here he built a gracious two-storied mansion “Kinsel Grove”, which faced east with a delightful view of Botany Bay. The entrance gates were in …
- Rocky Point Roadby Philip Geeves F.R.A.H.S. District Historian The majority of our pioneers made their homes along the Rocky Point Road. At the time of which we are speaking this road was primitive and often dangerous. The Rocky Point Road ran from Cook’s River Dam to Rocky Point, or Sans Souci as we call it today. It …
- Sir Joseph Hector McNeill Carruthers K.C.M.G. M.A. LLD.M.L.A. Canterbury 1887-1894; M.L.A. St. George 1394-1908 M.L.C. 1908-1932. Premier of N.S.W. 1904-1907 by Alderman R. W. Rathbone Joseph Hector Carruthers was born on 21st December 1857 at Kiama N.S.W. one of nine children of John Carruthers, a prosperous Scottish migrant farmer and his wife, Charlotte Prince. He was educated at William Street and Fort …
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- Lydham Hall Local Committee Annual Report for the Year Ended 29th February, 1980Once again it is my pleasure to report to Council and the St. George Historical Society another year of intense activity and sustained public interest at Lydham Hall. During the year 2,030 people visited the home, a decrease on the previous year but one caused almost entirely by a succession of petrol strikes which resulted …
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- The Latter Day Personnel of the Sans-Souci Tramwayby Gifford Eardley Through the courtesy of Mr. George Barnidge, of Sans Souci, one of the steam-tram drivers associated with the now long defunct Kogarah to Sans Souci Steam Tramway, which closed on Sunday, July 4th, 1937, we are able to publish a list of the personnel engaged with the running operations of this fascinating …
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- The Birth of a Bandby Alexander Belford Christison, M. B. E. In the year 1898, Mr. J. C. Walker of Rockdale, who had been a conductor of military and public bands in Sydney and suburbs for some years, decided to form a brass band in Rockdale. He had a few instrumentalists who were willing to join, but not sufficient …
- Calling All CarsIn 1894 the residents of Rockdale and district were entirely devoid of police protection at certain times. During big festivities in Sydney the few district police were withdrawn to reinforce the metropolitan squad. Rockdale Council was so concerned by this danger that it raised the matter with the Minister for Justice. On Boxing Day 1894 …
- Kevin Little, third-generation stained glass artist and restorer (1930 – 2022)Stained glass artist and restorer Kevin John Little was born in Sydney in 1930. Both his father, William Little, and grandfather, David McColl Little, worked in stained glass. David McColl Little established D.M. Little & Co. in Barden Street, Arncliffe in 1905, advertising as leadlight workers and glass merchants. Kevin Little designed, produced, and restored …
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- Book Review: Sydney by Delia Falconer, UNSW Press 2010 (293 pages)Reviewed by Laurice Bondfield Strictly speaking this is not a history book. It is more a meditation on what makes Sydney unique; one of a series in which “leading Australian authors write about their hometowns”. Nevertheless for history buffs there are many delights to be found in its pages. Chapters titled “Ghosting”, “Dreaming”, “Living” and …
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- Early Jewish Pioneers in the St George Areaby H.L. Kahana My topic concerns the early Jewish settlement in this area, the era of the Illawarra Jewish Association of the 1930s and the establishment of the Illawarra Hebrew Congregation in April, 1943. In the 1930s, the Great Depression raged. King George V and Queen Mary were succeeded on the throne by Edward VII, …
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- Sir James Joynton-Smith and the Building in Lydham Hall’s Bellingham Paintingby Bette Ross The lovely scene in S.R. Bellingham’s painting of Coogee Bay, painted circa 1882, and hanging on the left hand side of the Dining Room fireplace has a story behind it. To begin with Sid R. Bellingham is referred to in a number of Art Encyclopaedias as an artist of unknown background or …
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- President’s Report 2021Well, who would have thought 2021 was destined to continue in the same vein as 2020 due to COVID-19 related sickness, death and Lockdown restrictions impacting family, friends, the business and health sectors plus leisure pursuits to name but a few? May Australia and hopefully the rest of the world turn a corner into a …
- Michael Gannon(A talk delivered at St. Michael’s Church, Hurstville on the occasion of its Centenary in 1987 by Alderman R. W. Rathbone) There is some doubt about when Michael Gannon was actually born. His marriage certificate and his convict records all indicate that he was born in 1798 but his death certificate would suggest it was …
- Book Review: Governor Macquarie, His Life, Times and Revolutionary Vision for Australia by Derek Parker, Woodslane Press 2010 (252 pages)Reviewed by Laurice Bondfield This book has been published to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lachlan Macquarie’s arrival as Governor of NSW. It is a straightforward biography quoting extensively from his journals, letters and dispatches so you get a lively sense of his personality and attitudes as well as a clear narrative of the events …
- The Bexley Ladies’ Collegeby Frances Stacey “Rockdale College” was originally founded by the Rev. C.T. Forscutt, when he was 40 years old. He was born in Newtown and became a preacher at the Enmore Tabernacle for some years. Later at the age of 40 years, he decided he would found a Boys’ School and was greatly encouraged by …
- Old St. David’s Church Of England Arncliffeby Peter Orlovich The following article, from the researching pen of Mr. Peter Orlovich, M. A. , a member of our Society, deals with certain phases of the early history of Old St. David’s Church of England at Arncliffe, and also throws light on the pioneering Hannam family who were amongst the early settlers of …
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- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!On behalf of the St George Historical Society Committee, we wish everyone good health and happiness during the festive season.
- A Link with the Pastby Fred Gannon In his beautiful home at Tempe Mr. Fred Gannon, who is the oldest solicitor on the rolls of New South Wales, now spends the quiet evening of his days. He has reached a hardy old age of 85 interesting years; his wife is still living, and his sons and relations worthily carry …
- Book Review – The Aborigines of the Sydney District before 1788 by Peter Turbet, Kangaroo Press 1989 (160 pages)reviewed by Laurice Bondfield The author collects together in this small book as much information as possible about the tribes who lived in the Sydney region before 1788. He covers such topics as social organisation, languages, food gathering, marriage and family life, medical treatments, religion, initiation and artistic expression. Although the Aboriginal people who lived …
- New Logo and Magazine ArchiveNew SGHS Logo During our November meeting, members unanimously approved a new logo designed by Tina Workman. The striking image at the centre of the logo is of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. It represents our connection to the St George District. Magazine Archive Our society has published a regular newsletter/bulletin/magazine since …
- The Rockdale Historical Society – Tasks For The New SocietyPrecis of a talk delivered on 12th July, 1961, by Mr. W. Poster (Councillor of the Royal Historical Society of N.S.W. and Headmaster of the James Cook High School, Kogarah) The chief task of any newly formed Historical Society is to add to the information already in existence. The Rockdale Historical Society has an almost …
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- No Ordinary FlagIn 1915, after the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli and as men around the country were joining the Australian Imperial Force, a small group at Bexley Public School took up their needles to support the war effort. By making a donation to the local fund to buy ‘comforts’ for the troops, donors could have their names …
- A Suggested Sunday Afternoon Driveby Ron Rathbone Note: This self-guided history drive was published in 1962. After almost 60 years of change, it’s a fascinating journey into the past. Commencing at the new Cooks River Bridge. On your right you have the lovely 134-year-old country retreat of Alexander Brodie Spark. Continue along Princes Highway to Burrows Street then turn …
- The Early Settlement of Wolli Creekby Gifford Eardley The Wolli Creek, one of the principal tributaries of Cook’s River, junctions with the latter immediately adjacent to the railway bridge at Tempe. In former years its upper waters flowed complacently through a gently sloped forested area which merged into sandstone hill country in the vicinity of the present day Bexley North …
- Rockdale Fire BrigadeThe precise date of the formation of a Fire Brigade in the Municipality of Rockdale cannot be established from the Board’s records but it is known that the St. George Volunteer Fire Company was located at Rockdale in April, 1891, for during that month of that year that Company applied to the Fire Brigades Board …