17th February, 1966
Miss LEAKE read from the life of Rachel HENNING, an interesting extract.
Mr. GORMAN played tape readings from "Pioneering Days in Western Victoria" by J C HAMILTON. Mr. Barry KENT was able to tell anecdotes of J C HAMILTON whom he remembered many years ago. The readings were about Barry[?], (near Apsley) and about Kadnook (Edenhope) station. Originally there were about 30,000 acres, also recorded were the stories of a trip to Portland in 1848 with wool (1/- a lb, and some 8), the early days of Cobb and Co from 1854 onwards.
The petrified blackfellow found in the Naracoorte caves and the first sign of the Lake at Bringalbert – 10/5/1846.
Also David EDGAR, Pine Hills, Harrow.
Mrs. K EDGAR then read letters from David EDGAR (grand uncle of Mr. Keith EDGAR) written in 1875 of his trip from Melbourne to Harrow.
Dr JOSKE read an interesting account of the S Lagoon, written by D’OMBRAIN, son of Dr D’OMBRAIN who practiced in Casterton about the turn of the century.
31st March 1966
Members were fortunate to be loaned a book by Dame Mary GILMORE, poems which she had autographed and sent to Casterton State School in 1940. This book has many notes in Dame Mary’s hand writing, also one of her poems. Mr. GORMAN also read an article from an old paper on Dame Mary GILMORE, which had a photo of her son at Casterton State School in 1910 there first verse "married" was written in Casterton.
16th June 1966
The president Mr. GORMAN played a tape recording of the Historical Societies visit to Mrs. Ann JONES on the occasion of her 97th birthday held at the home of her daughter Mrs. KNAPSEY. Mrs. JONES spoke of the early days of Sandford district.
20th July 1966
Talk by Mrs. Anne GAZZARD
A most interesting talk was given by Mrs. GAZZARD, followed by Mrs. RANKIN, on Casterton’s early traders and old photos were handed around. Mrs. GAZZARD stated that the RICHARDSON’S were the oldest family in CASTERTON and the first building the GLENELG INN. PEDENS started in 1863. Two paper reports of this meeting are in the Historical Societies Scrapbook. J S PEACHEY sold cider at ? a glass. Other past traders were RAPKINS, GOODY HARRIS, CAWKERS, GILLS, JEFFREYS, KIMS and KAKERS. The hospital was opened in 1906. Mrs. RANKIN spoke of her grandfather John Craig STEWART who was a partner of Mr. J ANDERSON at Sandford and later went into a blacksmith business which became STEWART and SMITH.
Mrs. RANKINS natural Grandmother, Esther CROSGROVE came out in early 1850s from IRELAND and she married E M McDONALD at the Glenelg Inn before any churches were built by REV RUSSELL. The ? of SMITHS, McBEAN, McCAFFEY and LOVELLS as large traders.
17th August 1966
A letter of sympathy be sent to Mrs. Elina JEFFREYS on the death of her sister, Mrs. Jack LEAKE and to Mr MAT WILSON, "News" editor, on the loss of his father.
Mr. GORMAN gave a most interesting talk on Casterton second postmaster Mr. J J BARRY who was in Casterton until 1890 when he received promotion to Melbourne. The first postmaster was Mr. L F MARCHANT, and in 1875 at the same time as the Court House.
Mr. J J BARRY joined the PMG in 1860 and came to Casterton in 1876. He was a life long friend of Mr. ROWAN, father of Frank Hamilton ROWAN a firm of solicitors in Casterton, whose daughter is lives Bell MITCHELL " MOREDUN HILL".
Mr. J J BARRY was very active in town affairs being chairman of the Casterton Racing Club and Mechanics Institute and Athletic Sports meetings. Vice President of the Horticulture Society, registrar of Births and Deaths, he married Miss FITZGERALD from Harrow and when living in Melbourne called his house in Spring Rd Malvern "Kowree". Following the talk on Mr. J J BARRY. Mr. GORMAN showed the illustrated address presented to him when he left in 1890 and interesting ? program dated 1880.
21st September, 1966
Mr. KIM shared that his father had come from China to this district in 1884 and worked at "Runnymeade". Thanking President (1966 Cr H D MITCHELL’s) father gave Mr. KIM a horse and cart to begin a vegetable garden at "Runnymeade". He later had a garden in Casterton and built up a thriving greengrocer’s business which is now carried on by his son Mr. Fee KIM.
19th October, 1966
Papers were read by Mr. J GORMAN prepared by Mrs. Jean MURRAY.
Mr. HUTCHISON bought "Runnymeade" in 1848, when it consisted of 22,000 acres. A fine woolshed and ? built by Messes HUTCHISON and MURRAY is still in use at "Runnymeade", now owned by Mrs. J LAIDLAW.
In 1851, February, one of the worst bush fires ever took place with great loss of sheep and cattle. This came to be known as Black Thursday. When the property was divided and sold the homestead was purchased by Mr. J B GILL. In 1868 there was a big flood of Coleraine, in which 10 men were drowned including Mr. DRUMMOND, uncle of one of our members, Mr. Goodie LEAKE, Mr. HUTCHISON, who owned "Runnymeade", Miss Jean MURRAYS father’s uncle.
The first Kelpie sheepdog ever bred was at "Warrock", Mr. GORMAN read about George ROBERTSON who came from Van Diemans Land in 1831. In 1843 he bought "Warrock" for 300 pounds (with the land which was crown land).
Interesting paragraph was read from a book written in 1922 on the early days. Memorizing a journey by coach (really a wagon ?) from Portland in 1864. She pulled up at Glenelg Inn when Mr. DYSON was the landlord – thence by spring cart and draught horse to Chetwynd. Very bad roads. George GORDON lived near the author in Chetwynd, the PO was in charge of in Harrow. The CUSSENS were also residents (this Leo CUSSEN is a descendents also MATHESONS).
20th March, 1968
A most interesting talk was given by Mr. Ellis TICHLER of Brit Brit, a member of the Balmoral Historical Society in "Shipwrecks along the coast". Mr. TICHLER said that shipping was very important in the early days when roads and bridges were non existent and that ships formed a vital link in the daily well being of the settlers. Mr. TICHLER covered the period from 1802 to the end of the century and ? many ? vessels " Casino", "Devon", "Ardmella", "Marina" and many others. On 1844 "Casterton News" loaned by Mrs. RANKIN had advertisements covering service of these vessels.
15th May, 1968
An interesting talk was given by Mr. Jack GORMAN on the 1946 floods and many photos were produced. This was the largest flood since 1906. Members recalled experiences of 1946 floods Mr. GORMAN has sent this paper to "Parade".
19th June 1968
A most interesting talk was given by Mrs. Bert NEWTON, assisted by Mrs. Connie LIVOCK, on the history of the RICHARDSON family of which they are descendent.
The first wedding celebrated in Casterton was Mr. and Mrs. RICHARDSON in 1851, married at the Glenelg Inn by Father ROWAN. Mary Ann, the first of their 10 children was the first white child born in Casterton. Mr. RICHARDSON put the shingles on the Glenelg Inn in 1848, the year Casterton was ordained a township. The first name was Crossing Place. ? of the RICHARDSON family have lived in Casterton . Members enjoyed looking through the old photos which Mrs. Newton and Mrs. LIVOCK brought and appreciated the information given.
18th September 1968
Following the business meeting Mr. GORMAN gave a talk on James MALLETT, on of the early settlers who came from Tasmania to the Western District in 1845 – encountered blacks when coming through Heywood and Hotspur - Digby was then known as Emu Creek.
Mr. McLeod ROPER gave a talk on the early days of Dunrobin, Dergholm and Murndal in ROPER’s excellent memory gave us reports on many well known district families and properties.
20th November, 1968
Mr. Arthur ASTBURY, guest speaker, gave a most interesting address on the early days of Dergholm which is over 100 years old. Has family descended from J S ASTBURY of "AFTON" England, founder of the method of putting the gloss on pottery and china. Other members of the family settled in Avoca.
Early settlers names mentioned were LEVISONS, MALIE, GIBSON, FOSTER, DILLON, TURNER, HOWLETH, COTTER, JOVE, MCPHEE, MCDONALD, ROULSTON, MCNAMARA, SHAW, WOMBWELL, LAIDLAW and QUINN.
Dergholm ? ? for Rifle Shooting. The Dergholm hotel was opened in 1850 or before. Casterton was named after the town of the same name in England. Harrow after the former English school. Dergholm was originally DARSCHOLM. Redcap was named after the cricketers. There were many aborigines at Dergholm in the early days.
19th March 1969
Following the business meeting a talk on Alexander McKINLAY, possibly the first settler in Casterton, was given by Mr. Jack GORMAN.
MCKINLAY founded Casterton about 1846 – 1848 and built the Glenelg Inn. He is said to be the first postmaster. In 1840, Casterton was first surveyed by DERBYSHORE and CLARKE. There was no bridge in 1843 – a punt was used. The first clergyman was a R.C. priest. In 1884 C of E.
First names for Casterton were "Crossing Place" and "The Settlement". There was talk of moving Casterton, but McKINLAY opposed it. Different reports gave McKINLAY’s children as the first white children born here – others say the RICHARDSONS.(Mrs. AYRES) 1854. Henty Street blocks were 4 pound – MCKINLAY owned from Glenelg Inn to Stookes. McKINLAY drowned in the Strathdownie swamp in 1848.
16th April 1969
A very interesting paper on the old suspension Bridge was read by Mr. Jack GORMAN. Several photos and cuttings relating to same were brought, causing great interest as many members remembered the tragedy connected with it when in 1920, (September 6), the bridge collapsed when school boys were on it, GALPIN to rescue their ? from the flooded river. Peter MCKENZIE was drowned and Graham TUCKER saved by Keith MILLER and Keith MCDONALD rescued by Fred CLODE (Full report in Historical Society Scrap Book).
20th August, 1969
Guest speaker for the evening was Mr. Arthur ASTBURY who spoke on the early days at "Warrock". Names of early workers there about 1910 were, PARKER (cook), BILLY KING (off sider) TEMPLETON (groom), LEANEY (overseer), CURRY (gardener), James JACKSON (breading in horse), Harry JACKSON (his son), GRAHAM (shearing contractor)
Mr. Ted LOWE held the record for blade shearing 184 sheep a day.
In 1916, the "Warrock" Kitchen was built from a brick kiln built on blue clay. Mr. ASTBURY also mentioned George ROBB, tinsmith, and Wallie LEOTH, builder, ? Mr. G R PATTERSON had merino ewes 1914-1918 price was 28 ½ pence. A M L conducted sales at "Warrock" and "Tulse Hill". Dunrobin was cut up in 1918, "Capiel" originally part of "Warrock" and "Capone" sheep were shorn at "Warrock. They were the first to knock off for lunch hours. "Warrock" was always spic and span – " a place for everything and everything in its place", M DAVIS. And Mr. TURNER were ? merinos at this time.
Mr. George PATTERSON raced? "Golden Corn" and "Bliskins?", the later bought from TURNERS and named after the last dingo. 2300 rabbits were poisoned in one night. Mr. ASTBURY was the highest paid man in Western District – 250 pounds a year plus food. Early man on "Warrock" with married or died in "the earner room". Church was conducted once a month by Rev BALL.
15th October 1969
A most interesting account of the services of Sid FERRIER of Ferry Hill was given by Cr Willis TEMPLETON of Coleraine. Sid (mother HANLON) FERRIER was born in 1879 at Carapook and lived at Ferry Hill with his parents until 1901-1902 when he went to Western Australia. After outstanding services fighting the Turks in which he lost his arm, he died at sea, on a hospital ship of Tetanee 8/9/1915. Cr TEMPLETON read a letter from Hugo THROSSELL VC to Sid FERRIER’s mother praising his bravery and recommending him for a posthumous award.
18th March 1970
Mr. GORMAN read most interesting extract from Mrs. BARRETTS journal. The story of her trip by coach, in 1864, from Portland to Casterton and on to Chetwynd the next day made very good listening and comparisons with present day transport. Mrs. BARRETT (nee FLYNN) told of the coach – a cumbersome wagonette with no hood which scattered mud over them before they arrive at the Glenelg Inn, Casterton. After breakfast next morning they left by spring cart for Chetwynd. There was no house in sight all the way until near Chetwynd where Mr. George HOLDEN lived. Mrs. HARMER had the Post Office and store. JELBARTS had the blacksmith’s shop. They had driven through Chetwynd when Mrs. BARRETT asked "where is town". Early names in CHETWYND are CARSON, (Sister CARSON is a descendent), SAMPEY, and MATHESON.
Mr. ROSS read extracts of "Reminiscences?" of T W C FLOWER, born in 1839, who came to Australia in 1854. He married a niece of Mr. William McEACHERN, Strathdownie, who was the grandfather of Mr. Hugh ROSS. The paper, a copy, which has been given to the society by Mr. ROSS, death with early days at "Nigretta" and "Argyle" and describes Mr. FLOWER’s wedding at the Wilderness Church, Strathdownie.
20th May 1970
Mrs. Anne GAZZARD gave an entertaining account of "Personalities of the Past", beginning with the days of Kerosene lamps. Hotels were open – probably until 11pm. The train came in east night about 8 or 9pm, bring the "Age" and the "Argus". The big thing each night was to "go for the mail, when everyone stood around talking while waiting for the mail to be sorted."
HOWCOCK’s shop (now FAROES) was a meeting place for many and had a billiard room at the back.
Mr. FOX was the first secretary of the hospital. At the Mechanics Hall (where present Town Hall is) Mrs. TYTHERLEIGH had tea rooms and they were a popular meeting place for afternoon tea. Upstairs, Mrs. TYTHERLEIGH was in charge of the library. The old jail was past the Bank of Victoria (now CBC.)
Early traders were blacksmith Sandy McBEAN and Bill GAVIN, STEWART, SMITH and Chris EDWARDS.
Saddlers – Jack GRANT (brother of George who had the Albion (Grants Hotel) for many years. Jack eventually sold to Billy McBEAN.
Other hotels were the Bridge Inn (GARRISONS) Casterton Hotel (DANCOCKS) Railway (PARAMON) and Glenelg (CARROLS )
PEDEN’s Timber Yard was where COXONS now stands.
Other storekeepers were GILLESPIES, JEFFREYS, COCHRANE, HARRIS and PEDEN. The house where Mr. YOUNG? Home now lives was named "Coronation Villa" – note the iron work round the verandah which has a crown pattern – built when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
McPherson Street, from Casterton Hotel to MULINS corner was known as MITCHELL ROW and had a row of houses.
Matron THOMSON was the first matron of the hospital. Matron MCRAE was there before the war, went overseas and was warmly welcomed on her return.
Tom CAWKER drove horse drawn carts to meet the train each night also coaches to Mt Gambier.
Several nurses looked after children and mothers when the mother had their babies at home. Some of these well known nurses were, Nurse LIVOCK, Nurse CASE, Nurse McCALLUM.
Rev Kane FORSTER was at the Presbyterian church, Father LOWHAM at the RC and Rev Aubrey BANE at the Anglican. Mr KIM was a highly respected resident with his 7 sons and one daughter and had a market garden.
Names mentioned were "Jimmy the Whip, Smokey WILLIAMS, Jack MCPHEE, Sweet Marie, Benny the Boxer, Jack WALLACE, Jessie HOPE, first lady at Casterton Exchange, when there were 103 subscribers.
When important news came through during the 1914-1918 war, the Casterton News would issue a war special issue at 11AM. Others mentioned were of the Salvation Army singing in the streets. John JEFFREYS, H H GEORGE Photographer.
19th August, 1970
Mr Ewan NEESON left Melbourne at 4 pm and was at the meeting as the guest speaker, before 8:30. He spoke on the O’CONNELL family – his own family and traced them back through the ages