Past Events 2023

Heritage Management in the Wingecarribee Shire; A talk by Dennis McManus PSM

November 19. 2:00 pm Summer Hill Community Centre

What an excellent afternoon it was on 19 November 2023 for the launch of our latest publication, Ashfield History No. 23: Houses of the Ashfield District, Part 2. Over 50 people attended the event, held at the Summer Hill Community Centre.

Our guest speaker for this event was Denis McManus. Denis is a member of our Society, a heritage adviser and committed heritage supporter. He was a founding member of the Glebe Society and worked for the Heritage Council for many years.  He was awarded the Order of Australia Public Service Medal for services to Heritage Conservation in NSW.

Denis wrote a detailed article about his Victoria Square house, Portland House, in our own Houses of the Ashfield District Part 1. His talk to us was on heritage management in the Wingecarribee Shire, where he now lives. He spoke about the experience of heritage assessment, consultation and protection in the area, and stepped us through the NSW Heritage Management Program.

was is an engaging speaker, and the audience would have been happy to hear him expand on his presentation. The talk was filled with many images of heritage in the Wingecarribee. Not just Georgian and Victorian architecture, but also representatives of architecture of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as heritage rural landscapes, and whole villages.

It was a fascinating journey, and showed how very rich in built-heritage the Wingecarribee Shire is. Dennis then launched our journal.

Journal Launch: Ashfield History No. 23: Houses of the Ashfield District, Part.

Journal Launch: Ashfield History No. 23: Houses of the Ashfield District, Part.

After his presentation Dennis launched our Journal, Ashfield History No. 23: Houses of the Ashfield District, Part 2.

Ann O’Connell spoke about the articles and authors in the journal, and singled out new authors, some of whom were a little embarrassed by the attention!” Ann, of course, and as always, failed to mention her own enormous contribution to the journal, not only as author of five articles, but also as mentor to new authors, and as editor, along with David Rollinson.

The Journal launch was a meaningful occasion for our eight authors, who had all put much time, thought, effort, skill and hard work into a total of 13 journal articles. Three of the contributors were ‘returning’ authors, but for the other five, it was the first time their work was published in our journal.

The preparation of the journal was supported by an Inner West Council grant.

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State Archives/ Museums of History

A Presentation by Christine Yeats on the NSW State Archives at Kingswood

October 15 2:00 pm Summer Hill Community Centre

On Sunday 15^th October twenty ADHS members and guests were privileged to watch and hear a very extensive and informative presentation by Christine Yeats, senior vice-president of the RAHS, who for many years worked at NSW State Archives.

Christine outlined the extent of the 98 linear kms (!) of records held, being NSW Government records and some local council materials plus early records of Schedule 5 hospitals and children’s homes, very useful for family history researchers. Each agency has an allocated number which makes searching for any and all of that agency’s records quite straightforward as series folders and then particular items can be found. Christine suggested starting with a MHNSW Search through the State Archives Collection (https://mhnsw.au)

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The records of the Museum of History NSW are now included in the Archives and there is a guide which will take the user to popular topics, one being migration records to NSW. Christine took us through an example – William Dalton,  the bushranger!

The Wills and Probate section which includes the hand-written ‘will books’ in use till 1952 (held at Kingswood) is very useful, with probate ‘packets’ increasingly digitised. Deceased Estate files (used to assess death duties) exist from 1880 to 1958 and these along with House and Property files add to useful pictures of an individual’s possessions (both real estate and personal). Christine noted however that since the privatisation of the Land Titles Office, private brokers now hold recent records.

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Land Titles Talk by Carol Liston

August 20 2023 Ashfield Civic Centre Activity Room #4

Carol Liston introduced members and guests to the vast array of information available through the Historical Lands Records Viewer (HLRV), an on-line resource for finding out the details of land titles (available at https://hlrv.nswlrs.com.au/). Carol explained how to search through Old Systems Records and Torrens Records.

One of the main things Carol explained was how the HLRV can be searched through the Attribute Search options. The Attribute Search option allows the files to be searched by Image Name, Notes, Volume and Folio, Surname Initial and Year Range.

She walked us through several examples which enabled titles to be tracked back to the original land grants. She showed those attending how to search the Old Systems Records and how to use Primary Application Numbers. In order for property to be sold or subdivided after 1863 the land had to be converted to Torrens Title and this was done through a Primary Application that was given a number and these records are wonderful for family historians.

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Sunday 23 July 2023, Summer Hill Community Centre

Ann O’Connell’s ‘John Jasper Stone’ (1848-1921) Engineer, Architect and Baptist. Book Launch

On Sunday 23 July 2023, Ann O’Connell’s book : John Jasper Stone (1848-1921), Engineer, Architect and Baptist was launched at a Society event held at the Summer Hill Community Centre, Smith Street Summer Hill.

This was the first time that the Society used the Community Centre for an event, and the facility proved to be convenient, accessible, clean, light and airy making it perfect for our needs.  A very good number of members, friends and guests attended and ADHS President, Alex Lofts, welcomed them.  He praised the ongoing work of the Society in producing our publications in particular the author of the new book, Ann O’Connell.  He acknowledged the funding assistance awarded to the Society by NSW government’s ‘Create NSW Cultural Grants Program’ which had been administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society.  

The funding went a long way towards covering the printing costs of the book.  Alex then invited Ann to speak. 

Ann said that she did not expect that most of those present would have previously heard the name John Jasper Stone – as he was not among the names of well-known Australian architects and engineers.  She came across his name when researching a now demolished mansion once called ‘Legacy House’ in Chandos Street Ashfield, and found had been built by Stone in 1888, who called it Bungewagera.  It is now 102 years since Stone’s death and Ann has gathered as much information as she could, listing his houses, churches, factories, water storage systems and much more, so that his busy and productive life could finally be placed on the public record. 

In welcoming Christine Yeats, Senior Vice President of the RAHS, archivist and historian, to speak and launch the book, Ann spoke about her long career in government archives, particularly as the Manager of Public Access to NSW State Records.  She thanked Christine for attending and supporting so many of the Affiliated Societies in the work they do.

Christine Yeats said that in reading (in advance of the launch) about the variety of projects that John Jasper Stone undertook in his lifetime, she was amazed that she had not heard of him before in her work over many years.  She was impressed by his work as a Baptist, designing churches that were not nearly as austere as she had imagined.  Christine also spoke about the quality of the Society’s publications:  the number of images, maps and documents laid out within the text and that they include comprehensive indexes and are fully referenced which shows the attention to detail that is applied.  She stated that the book was a wonderful example for other Societies to aspire to.  She declared the book launched with pleasure and was applauded by all those present.

After presentations were made by Susan Thompson to Christine, and Dennis McManus to Ann, Alex Lofts alerted members to upcoming events and invited everyone to enjoy the sumptuous afternoon tea provided prepared by Committee members: Jan, Paul, Lois, Colin and others. 

Ann sincerely thanked book editor, David Rollinson and collegial support given by Clare Herscovitch and invited all members to collect their copy of John Jasper Stone. 

June 24th 2023

Our 50th Anniversary

West’s Leagues Club Ashfied

Below is a ‘video’ of photographs and a brief recount of our anniversary at West’s Leagues Club. For those who attended it might bring back some memories of the festivities. Those who weren’t there might get an idea of what the event was like.

The slide show below played throughout the lunch and generated a lot of interest.

19th March 2023

House inspection, 107 Prospect Rd Summer Hill

At 107 Prospect Road Summer Hill on Sunday 19 March 2023, about 25 people attended a house viewing (despite the heat).

Attendees enjoyed a tour of the house and a talk by Lois Gray and Sue Jackson-Stepowski who spoke about the property’s history and architectural features.

The talk was held in the impressive lounge area at the front of the house.

While the house can be classified as a Californian bungalow, it has some intriguing features not common in other Californian bungalows: dual entrances from the front porch to the large central lounge area; fine timber detailing on the staircase; and a sunroom off the main bedroom into which you had to step down into via 3 steps.

We heard that this home, known as Kookaburra in 1920 and the former house on the site, Brent Tor have had some very interesting associations.

The first owner who had Brent Tor constructed was Brent Rodd, a solicitor after whom Rodd Island was named. His son Savary T Rodd (real estate agent) lived here until it was sold when became bankrupt. His wife, Gertrude, was a grand- daughter of Gregory Blaxland, of Blue Mountains crossing fame.

The current house was built in 1920 and Charles and Elsie Hopkins were the first owners, Charles however was convicted of betting fraud with a paper he owned called The Tout. And so the house was sold to S B Williams with the unusual double qualification of pharmacist and dentist. The Williams lived there for over 30 years. His last practice was in Marrickville Road Dulwich Hill.

Given the extreme heat of the day chilled watermelon was a great hit for afternoon tea. Thank you to Marianne for showing us her home.

Photographs: Heather Warton. Text Lois Gray

A Saunter down Smith Street, part of the National Trust’s Heritage Week 2023.

Sunday 23 April & Sunday May 7 2023

As part of the National Trust’s Heritage Week 2023 the Ashfield and District Historical Society organised a walk, a “Saunter down Smith Street, Summer Hill for members and others who were eager to learn more of the history of the area, its residents and the way the architecture reflects the differing styles and tastes.

The Saunter was held in two sessions each of hours on Sunday 23 April and Sunday May 7 2023, both being conducted by past Society President Mark Sabolch.

The starting point was the John Paton Reserve with some preliminary remarks from Mark. As we wove our way from the Prospect Road end of the strip, criss-crossing where possible, Mark provided a flow of information on sub-divisions and growth along Smith Street. He also shared with the group images of the developments and buildings in earlier times. He encouraged the group to participate by allowing the walkers to point out features of buildings that were fashionable, changes in building styles, materials used and special features. Mark readily provided background information of names of first owners and subsequent notable residents and business owners in Smith Street down to Spencer Street while participants also shared some reminiscences of former residents.

Although traffic in the area including other pedestrians, I am sure that all appreciated more of the history and heritage of Summer Hill through Mark’s scholarship and deep knowledge.

I was a participant in the first session of the Saunter down Smith Street on 23 April 2023 joining an appreciative audience. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I missed the closing comments by Mark. I hope that the walk and its organisers were warmly thanked.

Text Jennifer Broomhead. Photographs: Michael Thomson

February 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Society

Presidents Report

Alex Lofts stated that 2022 had been a successful year and the Society came out stronger than ever.  2023 was our 50^th Anniversary year and a function commemorating this will be held later in the year at Wests Leagues Club.  The Society is financially sound; held well-attended and interesting events throughout the year; consistently held a book stall during 2022 at the Summer Hill Mill Market; improved our website and distributed an impressive newsletter to members. Alex named and thanked the members of the Society Committee for their work.  While there was a lull in the production of publications during the two years of Covid, the Society distributed a calendar to members each year – the first including historic photographs from our collections and the second showed images of places within our district depicting change and adaptive re-use.  Today, our first publication for 2023, prepared by Chris Pratten and Ann O’Connell, is ready for distribution.  Two others are in the process and grants from Inner West Council and the RAHS have been awarded for these.  These publications will be a journal on Houses of the Ashfield District Part II and a book on John Jasper Stone, who made an architectural contribution to the local area.  Alex then talked about the various events and special occasions organised throughout the year and these were outlined in his written report.  In conclusion he thanked those present for their attendance and stated that he thought the society will continue for another fifty years.

Treasurer’s Report

Membership subscriptions had increased, the 2022 income from the Summer Hill Mill book stall had doubled since 2021 and two grants had been received.  She also explained the low expenditure for 2022 being a result of no publications being printed during the year, however, our commitments for 2023 were already $13,873 being $4,088 for the Frederick Clissold book, $3,289 for a reprint of the Summer Hill book and the outlay of the grant monies receipted against the book and journal to be produced later in the year. Other outlay will be incurred in the running of our events and in anticipated IT expenses.  Two $5,000 term deposits have been placed to obtain additional interest.  Carolyn stated that in 2022 we had 153 financial members.

Committee for 2023

Position

Person

President Vice President Treasurer Membership Secretary Public Officer Heritage Officer Activities Coordinator Activities Coordinator Rooms & Collection Officer Minutes Secretary (Note 1) Newsletter Editor Research Officer IT Coordinator Web Manager General Committee Member General Committee Member General Committee Member General Committee Member General Committee Member Honorary Architectural Historian

Alex Lofts Lois Gray Carolyn Carter Carolyn Carter David Rollinson David Rollinson Jan Williams Paul Williams Clare Herscovitch Bernadette Williamson Heather Warton Ann O’Connell Phil Burne Colin Webb Mark Sabolch Murray Cleaver Ronda Gaffey Nerida Thiering Lucille McKenna Bob Irving (absent from mtg)

Guest Speaker: Alan Croker

Alan Croker is a director and the principal of Design 5 Architectural firm of Sydney, that specialises in the conservation, adaptive re-use and heritage assessments of old buildings. 

Alan spoke passionately about the need to include the way we regard architecture into our thinking about sustainability.  He cited the 2021 Pritzker Prize winners Anne Lacation and Jean-Phillippe Vasssal’s transformation of a 1960s block of 96 social housing units into a light-filled and uplifting place to live.  He used this example to promote the alternative that many architects hold today – to demolish and replace buildings as an easy and short-term solution – rather than to adapt, repair and restore them. Demolition is a waste of materials which our future cannot afford whereas keeping our old buildings and their history can be achieved by careful thinking which will add another layer to their history, is more sustainable and strengthens our cultural environment.