NEWSLETTER JUNE 2006

REPORT ON EXCURSIONS

Two excursions have been undertaken this month, both as a result of our display on Cairn Curran. The first one attracted several cars who followed our leader, Kevin Leathbridge to Goughs Range Road from where we travelled to the site of a former river crossing known as Hughes’s crossing because the Hughes family lived close by. We saw stones that had been the chimney and cement defining steps and a veranda that were linked by a path to the remains of sheds and outbuildings. From here the route was via Baringhup to the western side of the same crossing. Here the road linked with the Joyces Creek – Baringhup Road and large logs were still there showing where a bridge had crossed a creek. After a cold windy afternoon it was pleasant to find shelter at Picnic Point for our ‘cuppa’.

The second excursion saw a very exclusive group who managed to fit in one car. However that made the discussion possible between Kevin Leathbridge and Elsie Barkla who had both lived in this area before the waters of Carn Curran flooded. As we travelled along the old Joyces Creek – Baringhup road south from the Picnic Point area, Kevin and Elsie had great stories that they shared with Brian Dieckmann and Dawn Angliss. We were able to pinpoint various sites that we have since transferred to the aerial map given to us by Rob Sewell. Our journey south was stopped when we came to the junction of Joyces Creek and the Loddon.

As a result of a decision to mount a display of the history of Cairn Curran from the point of view of Newstead and Joyces Creek, we have had 3 excursions, been given lots of information and wonderful stories.

CAIRN CURRAN

The information on Cairn Curran that has been on display has been typed up by Derek Reid and printed. These are available at $3 to cover our printing costs. There was a good deal of information to read in the display and some people asked us if it was possible to have it in a form take home. Get in touch with us if you are interested. Dawn Angliss 54762006 Derek Reid 54762274.

NEXT EXCURSION

As previously advertised next Monday, June 26^th, we intend leaving from the courthouse at 1.30 to go to Park Hill where Sarah Ferguson will show us the property and tell us of its history. Park Hill was part of the Tarrengower run and names of owners over the years include McKinnon, Menzies and Ochiltree.

LAST MEETING AND TALK BY SARA MARTIN

It was heartening to see the courthouse full with our members and visitors from other societies on Monday evening. After a meeting (that broke all records by finishing in 30 minutes!), Derek Reid introduced Sara Martin. Sara is a PhD scholar at the University of Melbourne and hails from California. Her research looks at family experience in the central Victorian goldfields. Her talk took two of her projects that showed how she uses not only documentary sources but also the material remains still to be seen and the photos and stories still held by private individuals.

The first of these was the Whitfield family in Creswick where she was lucky to find a miner’s cottage. From here she uncovered the story of John Whitfield, a miner from Allendale in Northumberland who came to the goldfields with his wife and children. He eventually moved from mining to farming in the Terrick Terrick region. However starting from the house and its contents Sara was able to unfold the families stories and in particular, the story of one son who it was felt, had married ‘beneath him’.

The second story was closer to home. This was the story that started with the Broderick store on the corner of Adair and Templeton Street in Maldon. Her again the family experience came to the fore. This time it was of Mary Ann Broderick nee Edmonds, who when she found herself widowed with several children and again pregnant, was able through strong family support, to buy land in Maldon and build the store. From here she was able to provide a living for her herself and family. In 1912 Isaac Roberts bought the property. In addition he also bought the Nomen’s store in Newstead to where he and his family moved and he then leased the Maldon shop. So the story had a close connection with the Newstead community who knew the Roberts family for many years. It was only in recent weeks that Isaac Roberts daughter, Win Roberts died.

Sara made use of a visual display to show the photos, maps and documents that enhanced her story. The official part of the evening ended but everyone gathered to talk to Sara and our visitors and enjoy our hospitality.

PHOTOS

The society was delighted to be offered the opportunity to scan some wonderful old photos pertaining to the area. This is where modern technology is invaluable because we are able to scan an image and immediately return the precious artefact back to the owner. One image shows a view of Lyons Street in the early days when the trees were small in their guards, the road unsealed and the Nomen’s store in a different position to the site Scott’s store occupies today. (There was link with Sara’s talk as Fred Nomen’s returned to the Californian goldfields in his old age). There are also a couple of images of Welshman’s Reef. One is of the Royal Mint mine and the other is of the Captain’s Hotel.

CALENDAR

Monday 26^th June excursion to Park Hill leaving the courthouse at 1.30 pm

Monday 17^th July meeting at the courthouse at 1.30 pm.

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