Western District History

In The News – 8 February – 13 February 1901

/ Merron Riddiford / 3 Comments

I have an interest in the weather, not just for today or the coming weekend but also historically.  Participating in Melbourne University’s Climate History newspaper tagging project involving tagging Trove newspaper articles about weather events, it became evident the weather behaves in a cyclical nature.  If it has happened before it will happen again, droughts, floods, and storms.

Taking my interests a step further,  investigating how weather events affected my ancestors can add greatly to their story. That is why the Victorian bushfires of 1901 are of interest as the Byaduk district, where many of my ancestors lived, was heavily affected.  The weather was similar to two days in my lifetime,  Ash Wednesday on 16 February 1983 and  Black Saturday on 7 February 2009. On each day, fires blazed across Victoria.  

The first reports of fire came through on 8 February 1901.  The following article from The Argus describes the weather of 7 February 1901.  The descriptive language takes the reader to that day.  The heat was oppressive, the wind was strong and dust storms crossed the state, causing unnatural darkness.

HEAT AND GALES. (1901, February 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 5. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10533956

Fires had sprung up throughout the Western District.  Early reports from Branxholme were tragic with one death, stock killed and houses lost.  I have family links to three families who lost their homes, the Millers, Storers and Addinsalls.  George Miller, a racehorse trainer, lost his house and stables and no doubt his horses.

HEAT AND GALES. (1901, February 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 5. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10533956

The two-day race meeting at Ararat was held in stifling conditions. A fire started at the course on the second day, with horses receiving burns.  Later the wind picked up and ripped iron off the grandstand roof, sending the ladies within running for shelter.

HEAT AND GALES. (1901, February 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 5. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10533956

Fires started across Victoria including Warrnambool, Alexandra, Wangaratta, Buninyong, Yea, and Castlemaine.

DESTRUCTIVE BUSH FIRES IN VICTORIA. (1901, February 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved January 30, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14337694

The articles below report on homes lost in the Byaduk district with Byaduk North worst hit.  My relatives were closer to Byaduk township further south and while they were lucky not to lose their homes it must have been terrifying all the same.  

The fire travelled at a great pace, coming within a mile of my ggg grandfather James Harman’s property Mount Pleasant, on the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road, reaching the properties of the Christie brothers just to the north. As well as James and his wife Susan Reed, my great-grandmother Sarah Elizabeth Harman, and her father Reuben James Harman were living at Byaduk but lived further south again in the Byaduk township.  Numerous other family members lived in the area from the Byaduk Caves through to the Byaduk township.  

TERRIBLE BUSH FIRES. (1901, February 9). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), p. 7. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4818069

DESTRUCTIVE BUSH FIRES. (1901, February 9). Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal (NSW : 1851 – 1904), p. 2. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64452557

The Hamilton Spectator reported twelve homes destroyed leaving just three standing in Byaduk North.  Most were close to the course of the Lyne Creek running to the west of the township. The Free Presbyterian Church was lost and the Byaduk North Hotel was under threat.  In the days after the fire, the hotel served as a refuge for the homeless.

BYADUK NORTH HOTEL c1906. Image courtesy of the Museums Victoria Collections http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/766487

BYADUK NORTH HOTEL c1906. Image courtesy of the Museums Victoria Collections http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/766487

The homestead of Richard Thomas Carty at Brisbane Hill, a large property to the north of Byaduk North, was destroyed.  While running for the creek, after escaping the homestead, Mrs Carty’s dress caught fire but it was fortunately quelled.  The Cartys rebuilt and the replacement homestead Dunroe still stands today.

"ALONG MACARTHUR ROAD." Hamilton Spectator (Vic. : 1870 - 1918) 9 February 1901 .

“ALONG MACARTHUR ROAD.” Hamilton Spectator (Vic. : 1870 – 1918) 9 February 1901 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226087594&gt;.

"THE VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES." Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907) 23 February 1901: .

“THE VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES.” Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 – 1907) 23 February 1901: <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71463761&gt;.

The fire burnt through the Monivae Estate with a large loss to fences and livestock and burnt within a mile of Hamilton.  On the other side of town, closer to the Coleraine railway line, the Hamilton Racecourse fell just short of the fire’s path.

"MANY FAMILIES HOMELESS." Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 - 1918) 9 Feb 1901: 18. .

“MANY FAMILIES HOMELESS.” Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 – 1918) 9 Feb 1901: 18. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198084151&gt;.

Other areas throughout the Western District felt the brunt of fire on 7 February 1901.  This photograph from Birregurra shows the devastation in that town.

THE VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES. (1901, February 23). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 – 1907), p. 38. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71463761

Portland was also under threat with fire circling the town.  The fire did not stop until it met the sea.

VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES. (1901, February 11). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), p. 5. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4818536

Buninyong near Ballarat was one of the worst areas hit.

BUSH FIRES IN VICTORIA. (1901, February 9). The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23853766

THE VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES. (1901, February 23). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 – 1907), p. 38. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71463761

Macarthur had losses as did Princetown on the south coast.  At Timboon, bullock teams from the local sawmill were lost.

FIRES IN VICTORIA. (1901, February 12). South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), p. 6. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54558042

FIRES IN VICTORIA. (1901, February 12). South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), p. 6. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54558042

By 11 January, aid for the homeless was on the agenda and at Branxholme a public meeting was held to discuss such matters.  Authorities discovered the fire near Branxholme, which was probably the same fire to hit Byaduk, was accidentally started by a travelling tinsmith fixing a trough at Ardachy Estate.

THE BUSH FIRES. (1901, February 11). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 5. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10534297

A meeting was called at Byaduk for 18 February 1901, and James Harman donated £2 2/ to the fund for the homeless.

"BUSH FIRE BELIEF FUNDS." Hamilton Spectator (Vic. : 1870 - 1918) 21 February 1901: .

“BUSH FIRE BELIEF FUNDS.” Hamilton Spectator (Vic. : 1870 – 1918) 21 February 1901: <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226090204&gt;.

The fire was so strong and relentless, old residents were drawing comparisons to Black Thursday almost fifty years earlier to the day on 6 February 1851.

TELEGRAPHIC. (1901, February 12). Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 – 1916), p. 32. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32205605

 

What the Dickens?

/ Merron Riddiford / 4 Comments

Today marks 200 years since the birth of writer Charles Dickens.  Growing up in Hamilton in the 1970s and 80s my limited diet of Dickens consisted of a production of “Oliver” circa 1978 by the local theatre group and repeats of an old version of “A Christmas Carol” on one of the two TV channels. Oh, and there was a street in Hamilton called Dickens Street, presumably named after Charles himself.  As there is a Burns, Tennyson, Shakespeare, Byron, and Chaucer Street in Hamilton, it made sense to think Dickens Street was part of the theme the early town leaders had happening.  Or did it?  Those other guys are poets anyway.

Having missed a copy of the first edition of a book by Hamilton researcher John McKay in 2007,  The Streets of Hamilton, Western Victoria,  Australia: A History of the People behind the Names, which had a limited print run, I was lucky enough to have Dad snare a copy of the revised 2nd edition in 2009.  It is a terrific book, and as I am familiar with all the street names, it was interesting to read who the streets were named after, with some surprises.

The biggest of those was that Dickens Street, Hamilton was it more likely it was named after the son of Charles Dickens, Alfred D’Orsay Tennyson Dickens.  Why?  Because he lived in Hamilton? What?  The son of one of the world’s most famous novelists could not have lived in Hamilton, my hometown Hamilton, a million miles from the world of Charles Dickens.

Unbelievable but true.  In fact, I find it a little mind-boggling that Alfred Dickens walked the streets of Hamilton 100 years before I did.

Alfred came to be in Australia as his father has sent him off to make his fortune, just as he did with his youngest son Edward Bulwer Lytton Dickens (aka “Plorn”), who lived in New South Wales.

UNLUCKY PLORN DICKENS. (1939, November 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), p. 13. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-

Alfred’s travels led him to Hamilton where he set up an auctioneering business with Robert Stapylton Bree known as Bree, Dickens & Co.  They were in partnership from 1875-1882.

John McKay mentions a property at 32 Collins Street, Hamilton which Alfred rented before building his own home next door.  The house is very familiar to me and I have been along the street many times, so to think that the son of Dickens lived there is almost unbelievable.

It was an accident that claimed the life of his wife, Jessie Devlin, that saw Alfred Dickens leave Hamilton.

(1878, December 23). The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), p. 5. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2115990

The horse in the photo below is taking the same path as Jessie’s ponies before bolting down the Kennedy Street hill.

Jessie is buried at the Hamilton (Old) Cemetery

GRAVE OF JESSIE DICKENS

Alfred packed up his two daughters and went to Melbourne.  He was known for his elocution skills and he began giving lectures on his father’s works.  It was on a trip to New York as part of a speaking tour to England and the U.S. that Alfred died.

MR. ALFRED T. DICKENS. (1912, January 4). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 7. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11643665

First Issue, August 20, 1842. (1912, January 5). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63999947

I feel a bit ripped off that it took so long to find out about Hamilton’s brush with Charles Dickens.  But I feel I am not alone.  There would not be many people who either live or have lived in Hamilton that would know the story of Alfred, except for local historians and those who have read John McKay’s book, of course.  Maybe we would know more about him if he had lived out his years in Hamilton, which it appeared he was preparing to do when Jessie met her death.  So on this day, the birthday of Charles Dickens, let us also remember Alfred and his time in the Western District.

St Stephen’s Church, Portland

/ Merron Riddiford / 19 Comments

During our recent trip to Portland, while the fish were biting, I managed to sneak away for a walk around the town of Portland.

One building I visited was St Stephen’s Anglican Church on the corner of  Julia and Percy Streets.

St Stephens Church Portland

The foundation stone was laid on March 24, 1855.

St Stephens Church Foundation Stone

The Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser reported on the laying of the foundation stone.

Local Intelligence. (1855, March 26). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71571938

I wonder if the reporter still had a job after overlooking the lunch that followed the ceremony.

I was impressed that the organisers of the day were able to secure Lieutenant Governor of the Colony, Sir Charles Hotham for the event.  However, after reading some articles about Hotham at Trove, and fitting the Portland visit into his timeline, I realised then he probably was trying to get as far away from Melbourne as possible.  The heat was on.  I would also imagine the Henty brothers’ connection to the church may have also been a factor.  Incidentally, Hotham was dead by the year’s end, having caught a chill, which exacerbated his already failing health.  This extract was published in the Empire (Sydney 1850-1875) on the same day as the report on the foundation stone ceremony and the tone is similar to other reports on Hotham at the time.

VICTORIA,. (1855, March 26). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 – 1875), p. 5. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60180148

Despite the church receiving a bell in 1864 from Stephen Henty, it was not until 1907 that the bell was hung.

St. Stephens’ Church Bell. (1907, July 5). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63966019

Some histories of the bell may tell a different story of the bell’s origins as local historian Noel F. Learmonth had to admit in his article of October 29, 1951.  After reconfirming the story from 1907 article, he went on to say:

ST. STEPHEN’S BELL. (1951, October 29). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: MIDDAY.. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64429927

Entrance of St Stephen’s Church, Portland

A SHORT HISTORY OF ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH FROM 1869 TO THE PRESENT DAY. (1943, August 30). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64386337

I wish I had read this article before I visited.  I would have like to have seen Stephen Henty’s stained glass window.

Interior of St Stephen’s Church

The organ on the wall of the altar has been in place since 1882.

INTERIOR OF ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH. Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/441320

In 1953, the church celebrated its 97th anniversary.  The Portland Guardian of May 14, reported on the event and included an extract from one of Noel Learmonth’s books  “The Portland Bay Settlement”.  A nice touch was when the congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to the church.

 

St. Stephen’s Church 97th Anniversary celebrated. (1953, May 14). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: MIDDAY. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64434755

ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH. Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/61459

If you are interested in more history of the St Stephen’s Church, an article from the Portland Guardian of August 30, 1943, “A Short History of St Stephen’s Church from 1869 to Present Day” is worth a look.  It also includes a list of the 1943 members of the Ladies Guild.

In the News – 15 January 1944

/ Merron Riddiford / 1 Comment

From Saturday 15 January 1944, Victorians were counting the cost of disastrous bushfires that burned out of control a day earlier, Friday 14 January 1944. In Hamilton, the losses were particularly heavy in what were and remain the worst fires in the history of the town, with fifty homes destroyed.

"BLACK DAY FOR HAMILTON" The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) 15 January 1944: .

“BLACK DAY FOR HAMILTON” The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 – 1954) 15 January 1944: <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206785522&gt;.

There was some warning.  December had recorded below average rainfall, and the temperatures were very high over Christmas and the New Year.  The weekend prior had been hot with temperatures around forty degrees.  Friday 14 January and Saturday 15 January were both declared days of total fire ban across the state except the Mallee.

"BUSH FIRE DANGER" Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953) 13 January 1944: 4 (EVENING). Web. 14 Jan 2017 .

“BUSH FIRE DANGER” Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953) 13 January 1944: 4 (EVENING). <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64387965&gt;.

The Hamilton Hospital admitted more than forty people, and some later died.

HAMILTON AREA LOSS £270,000. (1944, January 19). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 4. Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11821239

CATASTROPHIC FIRE AT HAMILTON. (1944, January 15). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 4. Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11816144

Of the fifty homes destroyed, two belonged to my relatives.  On a trip to Hamilton, I visited Mum’s first cousin and mentioned the 1944 fires to her husband, then his eighties. His family, the Lovell’s, lost their home in the 1944 fires.  He disappeared from the room and returned with a clump of fused pennies, all he had left after the fire, a “memento” he had kept for over 60 years.  I found a similar account in The Age of 20 January 1944,

"Nineteen Patients in Hamilton Hospital" The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) 20 January 1944: .

“Nineteen Patients in Hamilton Hospital” The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 – 1954) 20 January 1944: <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206793515&gt;.

The Lovell’s house was around three kilometres from the main street, Gray Street.  The Argus reported the closest the fire got to Gray Street was just 500-800 metres from the Post Office.  Having lived in Hamilton, I find this unimaginable, particularly the thought of roofing iron blowing into the main street.

MANY LIVES LOST AND ENORMOUS DAMAGE IN BUSH FIRES. (1944, January 15). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 1. Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11816061

Another of my family members to lose a home was Mrs E.Diwell.  That was Louisa Spender, wife of  Ernest Diwell, a son of my gg grandparents Richard and Elizabeth Diwell.  Ernest passed away in 1939, and Louisa remained at their home, described as “off ” Penshurst Road” on the 1942 Australian Electoral Roll.  They actually lived at the southern end of Rippon Road, which could be described as “off” Penshurst Road.  Penshurst Road is to the east of Hamilton and not far from where I used to live.

Something to consider is that this was wartime, with many men serving overseas. With limited manpower, it was not surprising that women were fighting side by side with men.  I mentioned the fire to Nana, and while she did recall it, she had no other knowledge of it.  She was living in Melbourne then and working at the Munitions factory at Maribyrnong before her marriage in 1945.  Also, her immediate family lived on the northern side of the town, which does not seem to have been in the path of the fire.  When I mentioned women fought the fires, she gave me an “Of course!” type of reply.

Hamilton was not the only town ravaged by the fires of January 1944.  Nearby Dunkeld (below) lost more than forty homes and buildings, and twenty homes were lost at Colac.

THE SCENE AT DUNKELD. "Bush Fire Victims Carry On" Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954) 26 January 1944: .

THE SCENE AT DUNKELD. “Bush Fire Victims Carry On” Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954) 26 January 1944: <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224839776&gt;.

Derrinallum (below) was hit by what The Australasian described as the “January Holocaust”.

"WESTERN DISTRICT FIRE AREAS STILL SCENE OF RUIN" The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946) 27 May 1944: 6. Web. 14 Jan 2017 .

“WESTERN DISTRICT FIRE AREAS STILL SCENE OF RUIN” The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 – 1946) 27 May 1944: 6. Web. 14 Jan 2017 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142418919&gt;.

The following article from The Sydney Morning Herald summarised the day of Friday 14 January 1944.

FIRES IN WIDELY-SEPARATED ZONES. (1944, January 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), p. 9. Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17878294

Even beachside suburbs of Melbourne had fire running through the ti-tree, forcing hundreds on to the beaches.

FOURTEEN DEATHS IN DISASTROUS BUSH FIRES IN VICTORIA. (1944, January 15). Advocate (Burnie, Tas. : 1890 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68837972

Cape Nelson Lighthouse

/ Merron Riddiford / Leave a comment

The Cape Nelson Lighthouse was fully operational in 1884 but calls for its construction came long before. One of the earliest references I have found to mention a lighthouse at Cape Nelson was in The Argus of 7 January 1864.

(1864, January 7). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page209236

On 8 August 1876, the Portland Guardian expressed frustration at the Government not following through on a promise to build the lighthouse.

LIGHTS ON OUR COAST. (1876, August 8). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6333597

Coastline below the lighthouse

In 1879, the Portland Guardian considered the continual delaying of the lighthouse construction as criminal.

The Guardian. (1879, May 1). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63342225

Finally, in 1882, tenders were called for. The Portland Guardian made the announcement on 30 March 1882 and the article in full explained the plans for the proposed lighthouse.

THE CAPE NELSON LIGHTHOUSE. (1882, March 30). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: MORNING.. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63404134

Work began later in 1882, but strong winds and the lack of skilled workers impeded progress. The Portland Guardian offered some great articles outlining the progress of construction. An article from 28 December 1882 describes the construction of the wall and the assistant lighthouse keeper’s house. Another on 24 July 1883, describes the job of sourcing the stone for the job and talks of a lift that would aid the construction of the tower.

On Monday 7 July 1884, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse was lit for the first time. The joint honour was given to the then Mayor of Portland, Mr P.W. Shevill and former mayor, Mr W.T. Pile, who had played a big part in the project getting off the ground. A dinner was held that evening at Mac’s Hotel in Portland to celebrate.

THE LIGHTING UP OF THE NEW PHAROS ON CAPE NELSON. (1884, July 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6052865

An article from the Portland Guardian of 8 July 1884 thanked the contractors Messrs. Horne and Slingo and looked at the history of the lighthouse from the time it was first determined a lighthouse was required, to the first lighting of the lamp on 7 July 1884.

The first Lighthouse keeper at Cape Nelson was William Fish. His assistant was Henry Murray and the junior assistant was Thomas MacBain.

THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. (1884, September 6). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 12. Retrieved January 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6056910

Lighthouse Keeper’s residence – Cape Nelson

Assistant Lighthouse keeper’s Residence

Today, on the road to Cape Nelson and while at the lighthouse, it is difficult to miss the wind turbines. They look almost graceful on the landscape, but I am not too sure what William Fish would have made of them.

The Old and the New

FURTHER READING

There were other articles from the Portland Guardian about the Cape Nelson Lighthouse also worth reading:

Portland Guardian – 7 October 1882 – A WALK FROM PORTLAND TO THE CAPE NELSON LIGHTHOUSE SITE –  This article written by the “Traveller” describes a walk from Portland to Cape Nelson to inspect the site of the proposed lighthouse, a round trip of about 24 kilometres.

Portland Guardian – 19 August 1920 – BEACON OF THE NIGHT – “Openlight” describes a visit to the Lighthouse, including a climb to the top. There are also references to former lighthouse keepers at Cape Nelson, including William Fish.

Portland Guardian – 3 October 1927 – CAPE NELSON LIGHTHOUSE – This article tells of the role of parliamentarian Peter Lalor, of Eureka Stockade fame, in the eventual approval of a lighthouse at Cape Nelson.

Portland Guardian – 26 March 1931 – CAPE NELSON AND ITS LIGHTHOUSE – The correspondent “W.H.M” tells of a visit to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. I found this article interesting, as it reports on the children of the lighthouse. He talks of Frank Piper, a boy of around nine, with sight in only one eye, and who was educated by correspondence. A reference was made to an article in The Argus, earlier in 1931, by a Mr Tate.  I managed to track down the article and found it was written by Frank Tate and appeared in The Argus on 28 February 1931, under the title – OUTBACK PUPILS – A MODERN DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATION. This too was an interesting article discussing early distance education from the time it was introduced in Victoria in 1914 and after in other states. He states over 13000 students were receiving their school via correspondence in 1931, with many having not seen the inside of a classroom. Both articles touch on the loneliness of children living in remote places. Frank Piper did not see another child until he was six years old and became very emotional when he did, according to his mother.

Portland Guardian – 15 June 1939 – CAPE NELSON LIGHTHOUSE – This article recounts the laying of the lighthouse foundation stone at Cape Nelson in 1883 and a time capsule buried within.

Portland Guardian – 12 July 1951 – NATURE NOTES – B.E. Carthew reports on a scrapbook kept by Frank Row, which documents the life of former Portland mayor William Pile, one of the inaugural lamp lighters at the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. A clipping from the scrapbook was from the opening of the lighthouse in 1884 and it gives further insight into the day. There is also a list of lighthouse keepers from 1917 through to 1951.

©Merron Riddiford 2012

In the News – 13 January 1905

/ Merron Riddiford / Leave a comment

Western District pioneers were exposed to most of the elements Australia offers including flood, drought and fire.  Each had its own devastating effect on their lives and livelihood, particularly those on the land.

By summer 1905, my Harman family of Byaduk had already experienced bushfire.  Fires in 1888, 1896, 1901, and 1902 had seen the loss of stock, grazing land, and life.  Bushfires today are just as devastating, but the pioneers of the 19th century and early 20th century did not have the weather forecasting, firefighting equipment, and communications now available.  When a fire came close to their homes at Byaduk on 11 January 1905, one can only imagine how they managed.

The fire broke away in the stony ground near the Byaduk Caves and travelled southerly at a rapid pace.

NEAR BYADUK CAVES.

NEAR BYADUK CAVES.

The first Harman hit was George Harman, son of James Harman.  His property Quetta was on the north-eastern corner of the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road and what is now Harman’s Road. The fire crossed the main road onto his father’s property, Mt Pleasant, and Frank Kinghorn’s The Island next door. Alfred Harper lost all the timber for a new house, while others lost haystacks. Forty men were fighting the fire, but wind changes made it almost impossible for them.  The Portland Guardian reported on the fire on 13 January 1905.

HEAVY LOSSES AT BYADUK. (1905, January 13). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63691042

Home from Portland

/ Merron Riddiford / 2 Comments

It was great to get reacquainted with Portland.  Apart from a quick overnight trip about 15 years ago, I had not visited since the 1970s and 80s with most of my time then spent around the harbour and foreshore.  The town really has not changed, but now, compared to when I was a pre-teen on Sunday afternoon outings, I have a greater appreciation of Portland’s history.

It did turn out that some of those Sunday afternoon outings were to witness events that are now ingrained in the history of Portland.  At one time, around 1979, we drove from Hamilton to Portland just to see a live sheep export ship!  Sounds boring, and it probably was for an 11-year-old, but a storm was brewing.  The following months, into 1980 saw protests, black banned transport companies, and disgruntled meat process workers from the local Borthwicks abattoir.  The issue was the talk of the Western District and beyond, at a time when the Western District “rode on the sheep’s back”.

Another visit was to see the ongoing construction of the Alcoa plant, now a familiar fixture on Portland’s landscape.  Construction began in 1981 and smelting began in 1986.  The arrival of Alcoa was a milestone in Portland’s history, offering employment and growth.

Over a series of posts, I will share some of what we saw on our recent visit, including the early architecture of Portland, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Bridgewater, and the Old Portland cemetery.

It will be a busy month.  As well as school holidays and extra “real” work for me, there will be a January Passing of the Pioneers and I will be joining my fellow geneabloggers for the Australia Day 2012 blog: Wealth for Toil.   I also will be posting my family’s stories, which is really why I’m here.  I just get a bit sidetracked.  I will share the stories of Sarah and Walter Harman, two more of the children of Joseph and Sarah Harman.   I am already looking forward to February when school returns, so I can have a rest!

Just to give you a taste of what is to come, this a photo I took of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage.

Cape Nelson Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

New Year’s Day in the Western District

/ Merron Riddiford / Leave a comment

Less than a week on from Boxing Day, a popular day on the calendar for sports and racing, the Western District pioneers were back at it on New Year’s Day.  Most towns had a sports carnival or race meeting or both and the townsfolk flocked to them.

The Turf Inn, just north of Ballarat, had a busy day on New Year’s Day 1858 with sports and pony races held in the vicinity.

THE TURF INN. (1858, January 2). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 – 1864), p. 3. Retrieved December 29, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66045904

At Warrnambool, New Year’s Day 1859 was celebrated with games on Flagstaff Hill, including rounders.  A game of shinty, a Scottish game like hockey, was also enjoyed.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. (1859, January 3). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 2 Edition: EVENINGS.. Retrieved December 29, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64509933

The Caledonian games were a popular New Years Day outing for the people of Ballarat in 1861.  I can relate to the poor shop assistants watching the passing parade of happy people enjoying the public holiday.  I have worked more public holidays than I care to remember, in fact I am working today.  I must say while it is annoying at times, I don’t find myself  thinking as the 1860s employees did “wishing all manner of ills to the exacting master whose behests precluded them from mixing in the throng of light hearts and merry faces that swept past the doors…”

NEW YEAR’S DAY. (1861, January 2). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 – 1864), p. 2. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66336603

Smythesdale, just out of Ballarat, managed to attract three to four hundred people to their sports day in 1862, despite many other activities threatening to draw people away.  Some of the more interesting sports were catching the pig with the greasy tail and treacle and bread eating competitions.

SMYTHESDALE. (1862, January 3). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 – 1864), p. 2. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66330531

At Digby in 1863, the local school children held their annual festival and indulged in many cakes and other sweet treats.

DIGBY. (1863, January 6). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 3 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64627825

I could not imagine a government today, state or federal, holding an election between Christmas and New Year.  On December 30, 1865, a general election was held in Victoria, but the timing was not tactical, but due to the dissolution of the fourth government of Victoria on December 11.  New Year’s Day 1866 was spent enjoying the local cricket match and waiting for election results.

NEW YEAR’S DAY. (1866, January 4). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64635496

The church bells rang out over Portland at midnight on New Year’s eve 1866, with local boys out on the streets singing “Old John Brown”.  The first day of the new year was hot and outdoor activities were again popular.

NEW YEAR’S DAY. (1867, January 3). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6463696

In 1869, New Year’s Day saw al fresco dining at Bridgewater and Narrawong.  The correspondent reported he had not seen so many picnics on one day, including one held for the Baptist Sunday school children and a large gathering at Mr Henty’s paddock.

THE NEW YEAR. (1869, January 4). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 2 Edition: EVENINGS. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64691465

The Australian Sketcher with Pen and Pencil ran a picture of Portarlington on New Years Day, 1879.

(1879, January 18). The Australasian Sketcher with Pen and Pencil (Melbourne, Vic. : 1873 – 1889), p. 172. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page5739740

Finally an article from Port Fairy, a popular holiday place then and now for people of the Western District and a place I have celebrated New Year’s Eve on several occasions.  In 1927, visitors to the town had swelled, including a party of several hundred Koroit residents on their annual excursion.  Beaches, fishing, cricket, and boat trips to Julia Percy Island kept the holidaymakers entertained.

HOLIDAY RESORTS. (1927, January 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 23. Retrieved December 30, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3831051

Happy New Year!

Passing of the Pioneers

/ Merron Riddiford / 2 Comments

The final “Passing of the Pioneers” for 2011 sees another thirteen Western District pioneers remembered.  That takes the number of obituaries recorded into the sixties. The information in each listing is from the newspaper obituary which is a secondary source. If I have found a pioneer interesting, I may include further information, for which there will be a reference available. All “Passing of the Pioneers” posts can be found under “Obituary” in the Category tab in the sidebar.

“Passing of the Pioneers” will be back in 2012 and with more Western District newspapers available at Trove, there were will be even more obituaries to choose from. I have also updated the post “The Horsham Times goes Digital” to reflect the current additions at Trove.

Bridget Priscilla TALBOT: Died December 1904 at Hamilton.  Bridget Talbot was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1834 and arrived in Australia in 1848.  She married John Jennings in Adelaide in 1849 and they moved to Hamilton in 1852 where she resided until her death.

HAMILTON PIONEER. (1912, January 13). Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 – 1918, 1935), p. 32. Retrieved May 27, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198127055

Bridget was buried at the Hamilton (Old) Cemetery (below).

Richard PRICE: Died 15 December 1904 at Milltown.  Richard Price arrived in Victoria in the late 1850s and settled at Digby.  He later went on to Heywood before making his final home at Milltown where he worked in the sawmilling trade.  He had eight sons and two daughters.

John PERMEWAN: Died 23 December 1904 at Ballarat.  Born around 1837, John Permewan gave his name to the well-known stores of Victoria, Permewan Wright & Co. He was known around Australia in commercial circles.  Permewans still exists in Hamilton.  It has seen a couple of name and location changes, but I would often visit there with my parents in the 1970s and 80s for horse feed and saddlery, but it also stocked hardware and still does today.

Effie MURDOCH: Died December 1914 at Romsey.  Effie Murdoch is the oldest pioneer I have come across to date.  She died at age 106.  Effie was from the Isle of Skye, Scotland and arrived in Australia in around 1852.

Margaret HOARE:  Died 16 December 1914 at Nhill.  Margaret Hoare and her husband Bernhardt Mulraney arrived in Australia from Ireland during the 1850s.  After spending time around Hamilton, Mt. Gambier and Goroke, they settled in the Mallee at Nhill.  Margaret was eighty at the time of her death.

John HARRIES: Died 18 December 1914 at Stawell. John Harries was born at Llanelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales in 1843 and arrived in Stawell in 1875.  Like many with Welshmen, John could sing and was a member of Prout’s band at Ballarat and sang in the Presbyterian church choir.

John THORNTON: Died 15 December 1919 at Mount Myrtoon.  John was born in Yorkshire in 1835 and travelled to Australia at age eighteen.  He spent time in Melbourne and Gippsland before settling at Mount Myrtoon.  He set up a successful stock and station business with links to Dalgetys. He was an accomplished cricketer and played for Victoria in his younger days.  He was the Melbourne Cricket Club’s oldest member at the time of his death.

Mary McLEOD: Died December 1928 at Narracoorte. Mary McLeod was born in the Isle of Skye in 1842. After her mother died when she was eleven, her father moved the family to Australia.  Mary took on the role of mother to her younger brothers. After they arrived in Melbourne, they travelled to Portland and then Narracoorte, South Australia by bullock wagon. She later married Angus MORRISON and they had eight children while living around the Apsley area.

Jenny Sage CRABBIE: Died 17 December 1932 at Branxholme. Jenny Crabbie was born in Edinburgh and having seen the boat the Julia Percy built in Scotland, she was offered passage to Australia by the ship’s directors, whom she knew.  It was because of the ship that Jenny met her husband Benjamin Lear in Portland.  Benjamin worked on the Julia Percy and continued to do so for some years after. Jenny would have been popular among Portland children. She was a confectioner, with a shop in Bentick Street, Portland for many years.

Annie PITTS: Died 12 December 1934 at Portland. Annie Pitts was born in Somerset, England and travelled to Australia with her parents, James and Sarah when she was three. She married John JENNINGS of Portland when she was twenty-one and they had ten children. Annie was eighty-five at the time of her death.

Louisa BROWN: Died 26 December 1937 at Camperdown. Louisa was just a baby when her family arrived in Victoria from Westminster, England. She married Henry SHARP, a stonemason, at Terang. They had four daughters and five sons, with the sons forming a quarrying business, Sharp Bros.

OBITUARY. (1937, December 30). Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 – 1954), p. 7. Retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28321980

Nicholas WHITE: Died 17 December 1942 at Portland. Born in 1869 at Cape Bridgewater, Nicholas was a farmer but a keen sporting interest and was knowledgeable about all matters of cricket and horse racing. His wife had previously passed away and they had one married daughter, Ethel.

James Trotter KITTSON: Died 11 December 1945 at Cape Bridgewater. James was a member of the pioneering Kittson family.

OBITUARY. (1945, December 17). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64406262

James left a wife, son and daughter and was buried at the Bridgewater cemetery.

A Pioneer Christmas 1890s Style

/ Merron Riddiford / 2 Comments

The 1890s newspaper reports of Christmas were very different to those of the other decades from the 1850s.  Recipes and articles about decorating the home, hint to a greater female readership than other times.  Finally, the arguments about English traditions disappeared as Australians formed their own Christmas traditions.

The editor of the  Portland Guardian, welcomed Christmas 1890 as if to say “Here we go again”.

The Portland Guardian,. (1890, December 24). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63631009

The editor continues with a reference to the 1842 editor of the same newspaper and the Christmas day activity of quoits.

The Portland Guardian,. (1890, December 24). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63631009

Shop windows were once again dressed up by their owners, but only one grocer maintained the tradition of displaying dried fruits and spices.

The Portland Guardian,. (1890, December 24). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63631009

The following is the first article I have seen on Christmas decorations in the home.  It offers tips on Christmas trees and ideas on making decorations.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. (1894, December 28). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 12 Edition: EVENING, Supplement: CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65397988

Christmas recipes became popular in the 1890s.  The following for Santa Claus Baskets is from the Portland Guardian of 25 December 1895.  Recipes for Whipped Snow and Plum Pudding were also included.

CHRISTMAS RECIPES. (1895, December 25). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 9 Edition: EVENING, Supplement: CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT PORTLAND GUARDIAN.. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63633406

MELBURNE CHRISTMAS EVE MARKET 1892. Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/254978

The 1890s saw the traditional beef finally lose favour on the Christmas menu.   This article  “What People Eat at Christmas”  from The Argus, gives a real insight into the Christmas fare of the time.  I have not included the entire article, which is worth reading in full.  Times were changing.

WEAT PEOPLE EAT AT CHRISTMAS. (1897, December 25). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 8. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9784663

Melbourne 1899. CHRISTMAS MARKETING. (1899, December 16). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 – 1946), p. 29. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138612102

To conclude this 19th-century overview of Christmas in Victoria, I must include the following article for anyone wondering if the 1899 Christmas was the last of the century.  It comes a little further afield than Victoria as it appeared in the West Australian Sunday Times on 31 December  1899.

Chronology Up to Date. (1899, December 31). West Australian Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1897 – 1902), p. 8. Retrieved December 24, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38505997