Bruny Island History Room in Alonnah, Tasmania, Australia | Arts and entertainment

Bruny Island History Room

Locality: Alonnah, Tasmania, Australia

Address: 3895 Bruny Island Main Rd 7150 Alonnah, TAS, Australia

Website: https://www.brunyhistory.com/

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25.01.2022 I came across the original price list for the Melba in July 1953 and found it interesting for a number of reasons. Car and driver was 6/-, a lorry and driver 10/-, a bus and driver 10/-, a motor cycle and driver 3/- a cycle and rider 3/-, and adult passengers 2/- each, children under 12 1/-. The rest of the list included cattle and horses (driven) 1/- each; sheep and pigs driven 6d, horse cart and driver 3/-!

25.01.2022 Please disregard the information on the Latrobe Ladies Cricket Team. It appears it was Latrobe.

23.01.2022 Dennis Alcoloret One of the most horrible murders in Tasmanias history happened on Bruny Island in October 1827. Four assigned convicts, William Wilkes, Joshua Fergussen, Dennis Alcoloret and Ayton were working at Mr Roberts salt and soap works on Brune near the waters edge. The party had been engaged playing cards when a quarrel arose between Wilkes and Alcoloret. Wilkes attacked Alcoloret with an axe, the grabbed a loaded firearm and compelled the other two to drag Alcol...orets body, from which life was not yet extinct, placing it under the furnace where it was consumed by fire. A person named Stephen Gould happened to visit in his boat and asked permission to get a light for his pipe. He was refused permission to land. That and the extraordinary smell of burnt flesh, coupled with the unusual circumstances of not being allowed to land where strangers were generally received with a welcome confirmed Aytons story. Fergussen and Wilkes were charged with murder but Fergussen was found not guilty. Wilkes asserted his innocence but his language and manner were described as severely indecorious. Wilkes rejected all religious consolation from the Rev. Mr Bedford at his hanging and screamed I dont like that when Mr Bedford repeated the usual passage of whose sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed and he cast his shoes from his feet. (From the Colonial Times, January 29 1830.) See more

22.01.2022 Nuenonne Language Nicholas Baudin commented "we said various words for them which they repeated very clearly and I was amazed even at the small amount of trouble they had. However any word in which there were rs and ss were not so easy for them This peoples language is gently if a little gutteral. They speak very quickly and do not articulate very clearly. J A Taylor adds they used 2 extra consonants not found in English; they didnt distinguish between b and p and they had no h. How well would you go saying Lue.ber.no youl.la for DEntrecasteaux Channel; Lore.by.lare.na as Betsey Island or Nub.ba.lin as the Derwent?

21.01.2022 On March 21 1903, the Mercury reported that W J Lindsay of Lyndenne, Barnes Bay had just returned from Port Davey and brought back with him a "curiosity" in the shape of a white badger. "It was about half grown and weighed nearly 39 lbs. He said, "It was very savage at first but now it follows me about and feeds on grass and things very contentedly.....On one or two previous occasions I had seen a white badger on or near the same spot and concluded that there must be a small ...colony of them there so this time I set out to capture one....There is no difference between the appearance of this one and the ordinary grey badger except for colour. No doubt the Curator would like him for our museum but he will have to wait til the end of the badgers days, then Ill consider the question of parting with his skin." No one ended up with the badger as he escaped from Barnes Bay and was never found although there are some old stories of sightings of a white wombat. See more

21.01.2022 Barnes Bay photo 1907

21.01.2022 It is amazing what you can get from old maps. This one showing the road surveyed between Sykes Cove and Great Bay contains several interesting facts. The shore around Sykes Cove where there was a jetty was named Crown Reserve. This had orchards behind belonging to J W Harwood. The remains of the old post and rail fence between James Davis and Bernard Walford properties is also shown which fronted onto Adams Bay. The map is AF398-1-121 at Tas Lib.

20.01.2022 Sunrise over Storm Bay

20.01.2022 Remember when...

18.01.2022 On the theme of Bill Lindsay, grandson of William Young and a man of means who always had a yacht, I recount the following story from about 1907.He fitted up the Iolas open dinghy, which was only 10 ft. 6 ins long, for a voyage around Bruni Island. He rigged her with a mainsail and staysail and having fixed up tin boxes for tucker and clothes, he started from Barnes Bay on his own, and went to Trumpeter Bay where he shipped E Davis as his crew. They put to sea at 3pm and got... as far as Variety Bay the same night. They hauled the dinghy up on the beach and camped in a tent, the fly of which was used as a square sail during the trip. They were weatherbound here for 24 hours and made what may be called an early start next day at 1 am. Mr Lindsay intended to land at Arch Island near the Fall of Dirt, but there was too big a surge to get ashore. Passing through the Friars there was a light NE breeze with a big roll on, and as the glass was falling, he put into Cloudy Bay, where they were stuck up for three days behind the reef. They carried the dinghy up into the bush and walked across to Taylors Bay for a fresh supply of provisions. When the weather moderated, they left there with a light Northerly, which which carried them round past South Bruni Light, getting to The Quarries the same night, and arriving home next afternoon. Bill Lindsay and a similar sized dinghy. See more

16.01.2022 It couldnt happen now could it? Mercury, July 25 1922 A visitor to North Bruny on Saturday last had the experiencepleasant or pleasant does not matterof being unintentionally left for the night upon that charming island, where accommodation for such temporary and unforeseen sojourns is conspicuous by its absence. He was told by an official on board the boat which took him to Dennes Point that the Dover would call to pick him up again at about 6.30 pm, or "possibly earlie...r" , and as he was half a mile from the jetty when, to his surprise and consternation, she appeared and hooted her presence at something after five, instead of after six, the steamer returned to Hobart without him. Next day being Sunday, no vessel of any kind visited Dennes Point except a small dinghy called from the opposite shore, whereby the visitor was enabled to reach a scalloping boat, and so eventually to reach the city on Sunday night. There are compensations for an enforced sojourn of this kind, although it might sometimes be a very serious matter for the stranded visitor. But the point that demands attention is why a fine island, only twelve or thirteen miles as the crow flies from Hobart, should be left comparatively derelict and uninhabited because of the want of reasonable means of communication. Owing to the infrequency of boats people on North Bruny get their mails and papers three days at a time a twice a week service that is a disgrace to the Post Office and a sad handicap for Bruny. There is a telephone cable to Dennes Point, but as with many other places enjoying our ordinary inefficient country service, it cannot be used after 5 pm on week day s and not at all on Sundays. Surely these are matters in which State influence might properly be used on Brunys behalf to secure something better from the Post Office! As for the steamer service, it is obvious that greater care ought to be used in notifying passengers of the return times and in adhering to those times; and if there is alteration at short notice there should at least be some system of apprising the people at Dennes Point and giving due warning to passengers in the neighbourhood. See more

16.01.2022 In 1943 Captain Miley began running the Gayclite between Dennes Point and Snug Jetty. This was soon changed to Tinderbox. Buses met the ferry at both terminii. In 1947 the route was taken over by Geoff and Ken Woolley. The Gayclite was sold after the vehicular ferry began running. It is now known as the Huon Islander. In that time the Woolleys travelled 90,000 miles and carried 100,000 people Her fastest crossing was 6 minutes, her longest, 2 hours. Their mother, Mrs (or Nurs...e) Shaw did on occasion have to go down to the jetty on a dark night with a lantern to guide them in. Ken went on to become an engineer on the Melba and Mangana. Geoff also took over the luggage run, but he only carried luggage as he said the horse had enough to do without carrying people. Ferry passengers had to walk. In September 1950 T Murphy had the passenger bus service between Lunawanna and Dennes Point with connecting links between Simpsons Bay, Adventure Bay and Barnes Bay. It connected with the passenger ferry from Dennes Point and was met by bus from Tinderbox. In May 1952 Ken was fortunate that he did not lose his foot after his shoe laces dropped through the propeller shaft casing and engaged the whirling shaft. His foot and leg were dragged onto the shaft and when he attempted to extricate himself his hand also caught. He was taken to Tinderbox and then to hospital in a police car. Vi Woolley used to have a hot urn of coffee waiting at the jetty on a Friday night for those coming off the steamer from Hobart. It was very welcome and used to coast sixpence a mug. Most people who used the ferry had a story, whether it was the running jump to catch her as she left the jetty or the midnight trip to take a sick passenger across. Pictures- gayclite with the Woolleys and Violet and Ken Woollley with his mother Mrs Shaw. See more

16.01.2022 Submitted by Greg Styles in celebration of Remembrance Day. Oscar Harold Hansson from Adventure Bay who went off to fight in WW1. He joined the 40th Battalion and left on the Berrima from Hobart. He fought in Armentiers and Ypres. He was on burial parties and escorted court martialled soldiers to prison and eventually became a corporal. I was also told he was a sniper and shot a german general at a mile range which sounds extreme particularly with normal open sights bu...t it is what I was told. Several other young men from Bruny went to the same Battalion including I believe Mr Ray Corney from Lunawanna who also made it back ,he might be one of the other people in the army photos. I also met him (Mr Corney) at his farm in the 1980's . My Grandad was wounded in the thigh later in the war and ended up marrying an English nurse who treated him. They divorced in the 1930s. Oscar also worked at the Electrona Carbide works around 1940 where he met Caroline Hayers who he married and they moved to Adventure Bay. He lived at Bellevue at Adventure Bay and was an orchardist for many years. There is a family story that he had his SMLE . 303 rifle which he was allowed to keep after the war (if this is true it may be because he was a farmer but generally they were supposed to give everything back on demobilisation..? ). I was told that he eventually threw it down the old Coal mine shaft near the cemetary at Adventure Bay because it reminded him of the war and all the killing. He used to have bad nightmares about the war so this could well be true. The rifle would have rusted away so I'm not worried about anyone abseiling down there to retrieve it. Oscar also had a WW1 german water flask, one can only imagine how he came to have it, I wonder if it was a souvenir or from a battle or just picked up? One of my Aunties told me that he had been in a shell crater with a German and it was either him or the German and the German didn't make it so i have always wondered if it was his water bottle.... but I am guessing really. I found the water bottle in a shed when we were cleaning up after my Grandmother passed away. I had never ever seen it before and the war was never spoken about so it was a real surprise. Hope you find this bit of info interesting. Interestingly I recall seeing the Bruny rifle club had a competition at one point and Oscar was shooting against his father Lars Hansson and his father won ! ! See more

16.01.2022 How good are you on old measurements? 1 pin was 1/8 of a beer barrel 2 pins= 1 firkin 2 firkins = 1 kilderkin 2 kilderkins= 1 beer barrel... 3kilderkins= a beer hogshead ........... a dicker of gloves=12 dozen pair a last of hides=20 dickers a chaldron of coals=36 bushels a hogshead of wine=63 gallons a tod of wool= 28 pounds a firkin of butter=56pounds a pipe or butt is 120 gallons a long dozen is 13 2 jacks of wine= 1 gill 8jacks= 1 pint See more

15.01.2022 This is Tobias Furneauxs map of the east coast of VDL drawn in 1773. Notice Adventure Bay is firmly joined to the mainland. He certainly had none of Cooks talent.

14.01.2022 The North Bruny Ladies Cricket Teams first match came about in May 1893 when they were challenged to a match by Mr Ted Spong, who much to his surprise was beaten by an innings and 83 runs. The ladies were brightly dressed in red and blue. Miss Maude Young top scored with 34 and the ladies were captained by Miss Emmie Denne. Mr Spongs appearance as a lady of the period caused much merriment especially for his opponents!

13.01.2022 Apologies, wrong picture of Marana

12.01.2022 This was our letter to Council regarding the sale of land at Alonnah. -------- To the Mayor and Councilors, Kingborough Council. Civic Centre, 15 Channel Hwy, Kingston 7050... (Ph 0362118200, Office hours, 8.30-5.00 pm Mon - Fri) [email protected] The Bruny Island Historical Society strongly objects to the proposed sale of public open space at Main Road, Alonnah near Hotel Bruny (PID5061726). Alonnah was once known as Mills Reef and along the roadside there is a memorial to the Mills family, one of the earliest families to settle in the area and whose family met with tragedy. In 1863 William Mills leased 1000 acre opposite Satellite Island (Woody Island). The region had still not been named but was marked on survey charts as Sunset Bay. The stretch of water between Satellite Island and the South Bruny mainland is known today as Mills Reef. Two graves are known to have existed on the foreshore near the reef, their location had been marked by a holly bush planted nearby. The earliest grave was that of Edward Mills who died at the age of 7 in 1861, the son of William. The second was that of his mother Charlotte Mills, a widow aged 80, who died in 1865. A road trust had been formed in 1870 whose task it was to administer the provision of roads, tramways and jetties using money raised from rates on private property and Crown Leases. One of its first members was William Mills. Mills was the only representative who lived on the island. When the main road was being re-aligned in 1950 it cut through the property where the graves of Edward & Charlotte Mills were located. The Bruny Council decided that a suitable memorial should be erected in memory of the Mills family. This was unveiled at a ceremony dedicated by Archdeacon Barrett at Alonnah on Sunday 28th January 1951. It is somewhat ironic that the last remaining public piece of land, once owned by William Mills the only resident representative of a body that was later to become the local council, should now be considered for sale by the current council. In a time of increasing visitor/tourism numbers to Bruny this unique parcel of public land with historical significance provides an opportunity for increased amenity to both local residents and visitors to the island. It is of prime importance for future generations that this piece of land remains in public hands. Respectfully Yours, Tracy Thomas Coordinator Bruny Island Historical Society Inc.

12.01.2022 This photo taken at Dennes Point in 1894 has an interesting history. The Launceston Examiner January 29 1894 reported that "On the 27th of January the Derwent Yacht Club took a departure from their customary Saturday afternoon races and provided a treat which by its complete success is likely to be repeated again. It was determined to hold a camp fire social on Dennes Point and to make more interest in the proceedings, races were arranged for different classes of boats. By ...8pm, 30 yachts were anchored at Dennes Point and shortly after dusk a huge log was lit at which some 150 persons congregated and many songs, recitations and stories were freely given. " The photo not only shows many of the yachts involved, but in the background at the end of Dennes Point can be seen the original jetty that serviced the Marine Police station and was used by the Dennes. See more

12.01.2022 A few local recipes

09.01.2022 World (Hobart, Tas. : 1918 - 1924), Monday 10 February 1919, page 6 CHANNEL RESTRICTIONS 1919 style The following regulations were drawn up in respect to Bruny Island: 1. Every person landing at or depart-Ing from the municipality of Bruny must do bo by way of the pier at Alonnah, and not otherwise. 2. No person shall land at or depart from Alonnah without first having obtained a written permit from me for the purpose, and such permit shall upon demand be produced and delive...red up to an officer or person appointed by me. 3. No person shall by any means whatever bring or take any other person to or from the municipality of Bruny except to or from the Pier at Alonnah, and then only if such last mentioned person shall have obtained the aforesaid permit. 4. No person shall take or suffer to be taken by vessel or boat from the pier at Alonnah until he shall have first satisfied the person or officer there deputed by me for the purpose that there is no person on board In contravention of these directions and requirements. 5. Traffic with DEntrecasteaux Channel is hereby regulated and restricted as follows: Vessels and boats of every description except when proceeding under special permit granted by me shall keep ep to the waters west of mid- j channel. Persons in charge of vessels or boats shall not proceed to Alonnah without first obtaining a special permit from me for the purpose. 7. No vessels or boats shall approach within two miles of the eastern coast of North Bruny. 8. Upon obtaining a special permit from me, and complying with the conditions of such permit, and not otherwise, persons may fish from boats off the coast of South Bruny. 9. No person shall pass by land between North Bruny and South Bruny without the permission of the police patrol stationed on the neck of land connecting North and South Bruny. 10. No officer, person, vessel, or boat engaged In carrying out the provisions of any law relating to quarantine, or the provisions of any Health Act for the prevention of Infectious diseases, or in carrying out my Instructions as Acting Chief Health Officer, shall be subject to the foregoing orders, directions, or requisitions. See more

09.01.2022 The Bruny Island History Room invites people to submit any interesting family stories, photos or old documents you might have. eg Oliver Gray and his brothers (ex warden)

08.01.2022 Several people have asked for names of the Bruny Ladies Cricket Team.- G Young, F Young, E Davis, Miss Tonge, C Denne, E Denne, Edith Denne, G Denne, E Milne and M Lindsay. Miss Tonge was the school mistress at Barnes Bay.

08.01.2022 The Quarantine Station at Barnes Bay was a very busy place in 1919 with troops returning from overseas and the Spanish Flu. They were required to wait at least 6 days before they were allowed to come onto Hobart. Many were housed in tents and impromptu amusements such as mock weddings, diving competitions and dramatics were organised for their amusements. Some Bruny returnees didnt see the need for quarantine so an outpost was stationed on the Big Hummock at the Neck with authority to stop anyone they were suspicious of. After serving their quarantine most were transported to town on the Excella to receive an official homecoming.

07.01.2022 As there has been much anout celebrating the end of World War 2, I thought a few post might not go astray. The port of Hobart was closed at the end of 1940 when german mines were found at the mouth of the derwent. Defences were centered around the mouth with Fort Direction at South Arm and Fort Pierson at Tinderbox. Each for had a large searchlight as did Sheeprun Hill above Dennes Point. this was to triangulate anything suspicious. The men operating the lights at Piersons w...ould often amuse themselves trying to pick out courting couples on near-by beaches of a night. The SS Marana and ArcadiaII were based for a time at Dennes point. The Marana was required as an escort vessel in Spetember 1939 and was discharged in June 1942. The Arcadia was used as a channel patrol boat and was armmed with a Vickers machine gun and designated the HMAS Huon. The first photo is of the spotlight, followed by Marana and Arcadia. See more

06.01.2022 Due to the covid 19 virus, the History Room at Alonnah will not be manned on weekends. You may however make an appointment if you wish to visit and have someone to assist you. The Variety Bay Open Day is also cancelled but may be held at a later date.

06.01.2022 The first official Ladies Cricket match occured on Tuesday January 6 1894 between Oyster Cove Ladies Cricket Club and a like number of North Bruny Ladies which after a good match was won by Oyster Cove with a lead of 31. The visitors were kindly conveyed to Barnes bay in Mr G Hughes yacht. Miss Emmie Denne was the Bruny captain, making 25 not out and 32 by very good hard hitting and was a tower of strength to her team in wicket keeping and bowling. The Bruny ladies provided refreshments in profusion for all who attended the match. A return match was held on the following Saturday which was won by the Bruny ladies.

05.01.2022 Anyone interested in early Hobart History and Virtual Reality will love this. https://www.virtualhobart-town.com.au/gallery

05.01.2022 Bruny Island History Room will re-open on July 4th. We will open on Saturdays 10-3 and be available for opening by appointment.

05.01.2022 The summer of 1920 saw a protracted drought on Bruny Island. In those days there were few tanks and many people were reliant on creeks for their water which had dried up. On Woodcutters Point there were several springs. One which became known as the Big Tank was enlarged by the locals for their use. Usually on Sundays people would gather and ride around on horses and carts to the spring. First job was to fill containers with water for the week. Then washing was performed and finally, the weekly bath was enjoyed. I think this was done as a separate male and female activity. The spring exists to this day.

05.01.2022 These jonquils have been flowering at Variety Bay for about 180 years. Planted by Pilot Lawrences wife Susanna (or her convict gardeners) they are among the flowers entered by Susanna Lawrence in the Bruni Island Horticultural and Agricultural Show in 1848 along with her anemones and early primroses. This Society had exhibition rooms in Trumpeter Bay (built by Lawrences convicts, which could seat 60 at a dinner.) Vegetables were also keenly contested.

03.01.2022 Fort Pierson was established to protect the Port of Hobart from enemies coming in the back door through the channel. The guns from the Alexandria Battery were moved there at the start of the war. (World War 1 guns) Various notices were printed during the war warning of Artillery practice from Forts Pierson and Direction with live ammunition. The only time the guns were fired in anger was across the bows of a US Liberty ship that had failed to stop and observe the protocols of the port. Some pictures of the guns and range finders. "Spud barbers" the armys essential workforce.

03.01.2022 On the 18th of May 1853 near Barnes Bay, Elizabeth Roscoes husband, who was a wood carter, left for a trip to town. At 11 pm that night she was awakened by a knock at the door. Thinking it to be her husband she opened it and was confronted by Francis McManus armed with a carving knife who demanded money. Elizabeth answered she only had 1/2 a sovereign and her wedding ring. McManus called her a liar and threatened her with the knife. She begged for her life, upon which her ma...de her go to bed and proceeded to rape her three times, finally leaving her at dawn. Elizabeth waited until she saw Mr Lawrences man William Scorough coming and went with him to Mr Lawrences where she saw two constables. They then went to Mr Pybuss where the prisoner was found and taken into charge by the constables. Found guilty, there was much press condemnation that the prisoner was assigned at all as he had been involved in three serious incidents already including knifing the jailor at Norfolk Island and a constable at Port Arthur. See more

03.01.2022 *******Great News. The History Room will be open on Tuesdays 10-2, thanks to Robert Nixey. We will continue to open Saturdays,

03.01.2022 New members always welcome.

02.01.2022 In February 1919 353 men arrived at the Quarantine Station from the Loongana. Commander Captain H C Davis formerly the Camp Commander at Clarement and the Claremont Band were on hand to welcome them and enliven proceedings with musical items during their stay. In addition the YMCA provided marques which contained writing material, reading material and a piano for the use of the men while a supply of fruit and other goods were provided by thoughful citizens. Later the Chaplain..., Captain Blackwood, thanked all for the splendid welcome and wonderful way they had been treated at Barnes Bay saying they had so much cake that they had to pass on some of it and as for the fruit they had never seen such fruit, only Tasmania could grow it. The Red Cross also supplied cigarettes. Other organised activies included a mock wedding, swimming and diving competitions and talent quests. See more

01.01.2022 This first picture is thanks to Ian Barwick and shows the jetty and breakwater built at Dennes Point for the new ferry service. Initially the Government bought an ex army barge, 53 feet long called the Beagle- it could carry 6 cars. The next shows Ray Hanssons school bus being loaded on the Beagle at Dennes Point. The third, cars on their way from the Beagle before the completion of the jetty. The whole complex plus breakwaters was swept away in a bad storm in 1951; one of the weaknesses of the site fishermen had warned of. On the 22/9/1948 the Mercury had reported that costing was 20,000 pounds for the ferry, berths at Tinderbox and Dennes 33,500 pounds, breakwaters for Dennes and Tinderbox 29,750. This was not counting the cost of building the road through the Neck from South Bruny