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Dorset Tasmania History Society
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25.01.2022 John Winter, pictured here in 1971 with wife Anne (1943-2015), daughter Jane and mother May (1903-1982), has lived on King Island for much of his life but retains strong connections to the North-East. He has become a good friend of the History Society, and recently donated a number of excellent items to our archive, for which we are very grateful. John has been in Scottsdale this week catching up with old friends and chatting with the Society about his memories. Over the next few weeks and months we will be featuring some of the items from John's collection, recognising his commitment that these items should be retained for future generations to understand, appreciate and enjoy.
25.01.2022 Each day during the month of October the History Society will be posting some of our large collection of 'unknown' photos. We are hoping that you might be able to tell us who some of these people are, or perhaps suggest a place or a date. We believe all of the photos to be related to Dorset. Even if we only manage to name a few during the month it will help us a lot. The images have come to us from a variety of sources, but somehow the labels have been lost and it seems such a shame that we can't identify the people in them. Each day the photos will have a theme, so today we are starting with groups of ladies.
25.01.2022 This delightful colour photo is from a Christmas celebration at the NESM Hospital in 1956. The names we have, from the left, are Matron Lord, Santa (unknown) and Sisters Deacon, Farmer and Brown. That's all we know! Any more information or similar photos would be appreciated. Photo from the John Winter collection.
24.01.2022 100 years ago the Launceston Examiner reported on the two Rose's stores in Scottsdale: "Not often in a country town does one meet with such an up-to-date bookseller's and stationer's as the above business premises of Rose's. The George-street store is devoted to books, jewellery, fancy goods, toys, and stationery, while a tobacconist's department also commands a very important asset to this branch. In the King-street business more attention is devoted to confectionery, and re...cently Rose's have had installed one of the newest American soda fountains, and patrons are assured of obtaining the same class of refreshing cool drinks as in the city. This firm are also general news agents and carry a large stock of interstate papers, and act as the principal agents for the "Examiner" and "Weekly Courier" at Scottsdale. They also carry a line assortment of reward books, and large stocks of the latest music". See more
24.01.2022 And some more unknown workers from our archive...
24.01.2022 And yet more unidentified properties from our archive...
23.01.2022 Some more properties...
23.01.2022 Alexander James arrived in Scott's New Country with his father and step-mother as the 11th family to arrive in the district. In 1869, at the age of 22, he married Charlotte Beswick and they took up land 'about two miles from the township of Scottsdale'. Alexander and Charlotte expanded their holdings, and also found the time to have 11 children. 102 years ago today the Launceston Examiner reported his death aged 73 years and 6 months at his residence 'Sea View', Scottsdale.
23.01.2022 Did you attend the Scots' Ball at the Lyric Theatre in 1957, featuring the Ringarooma Orchestra? The evening started at 8.30pm and finished at 1am. Nowadays in Scottsdale everyone seems to be in bed in before 10pm :-) This programme from the John Winters collection.
22.01.2022 Another from our collection of 'unknown' people and place, though we are sure that it is from the North-East. Hopefully someone might recognise the buildings, or the background, or the man and his child. It is hard not to look at this photo without feeling respect for the hard work that they had to put in, but also for the bond that had to exist between man and animal to get through the day's work.
22.01.2022 The Briseis Race saga continues, here we pick up the Maurice Race as it skirts the Upper Ringarooma Dam before rounding Forsyth Hill to meet up with the main race from the Ringarooma River. We search for a cutting through granite rocks and visit the site of the spectacular high level twin fluming, over the Ringarooma river, where two races join. Sadly we have found no photos of this structure. Then we follow the race down the river to look for the Krushka Siphon. Fortunately we do have a photo of this structure, but it poses a puzzle. Finally we approach Ringarooma township and briefly visit the interesting Briseis display in the church.
21.01.2022 More children from the Society's archive... as with all of our images this month, we would appreciate any help or ideas with naming the people and places.
20.01.2022 In unidentified photos month it's time to move from people to places. We have a number of photos where the location of these properties has been lost. We assume that they are all in Dorset, and it would be great to know if some or all of them still exist. You may even see a photo of your house over the next few days.
20.01.2022 Time for the men to have their go - a series of photos of individual males from our image archive where we don't know, or are not certain about, their identity.
20.01.2022 The day we now call Remembrance Day originated in 1919 and was called Armistice Day to recognise the suspension of fighting on the Western Front in 1918. After the Second World War the name of the day was changed to Remembrance Day to commemorate all war dead. The recognition of one minute's silence at 11am on November 11 is to remember those who have died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts. The definition is important as it recognises not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice during war, but those who have come home maimed, disfigured and scarred and those who may not have directly served but who have also suffered for the cause.
20.01.2022 HILARY JEAN SWEENEY My Mother, Hilary Jean Sweeney (Jean), was the first married woman appointed as a Head Teacher in Tasmania when, in 1954, she took over as I...nfant Mistress of Elizabeth Street Primary School. Jean enjoyed a long and distinguished teaching career in Tasmania. The following details of her career may be of interest to teachers, her former colleagues and students. Hilary Jean Adams was born on 5th July 1912. Scottsdale was her hometown. Her parents were John and Eliza Adams. The Adams family first settled on their property, Rockview, on the Sledge Track in 1873. Commenced teaching at the age of 15, as a Junior Teacher and had to teach for at least 3 years before becoming eligible to enter Training College/University. During her career, Jean guided a countless number of University Students through their practical teaching. Two of her school buildings were burnt down. Goodwood and Bellerive. Not only was she faced with the stresses and challenges of re-establishing classrooms she also lost precious teaching material accumulated over her teaching career. In her time female teachers had to resign to have a family and then re-establish their careers when they resumed teaching. Female teachers were also required to retire from the Education Department at sixty years of age. Jean was required to retire from the Education Department in 1972 whilst at Bellerive School. The Education Department demonstrated that they valued her services by asking her to come out of retirement to set up the new school at Rokeby. During 1972 and 1973 Jean conducted Rokeby classes at the Bellerive School whilst the new school building was constructed at Rokeby. In 1974, St Therese’s Catholic School, Moonah asked her to take over the prep class. In 1980, Jean reluctantly finally retired at 70 years of age. Jean maintained that, one of the most enjoyable periods of her career were two temporary secondments to the Education Department’s office. The first, for one year in 1961, saw her touring the state with school inspectors. Jean also demonstrated the Cuisenaire Maths method to teachers throughout Tasmania and conducted Adult Education classes on Cuisenaire for teachers from both state and private schools. On the second secondment, circa 1964, she visited Tasmanian schools with Warren Brewer and Trevor Leo developing a Social Science programme. Hilary Jean Sweeney died, in Hobart, on 11th October 2004. She was 92 years of age. TIMELINE Researched by Diane Munro (nee Sweeney): 1927-SCOTTSDALE STATE SCHOOL. Office work and Junior Teacher There was no leaving class at Scottsdale, so the Principal, Carl Morris, arranged to coach Jean for her Leaving Certificate whilst she undertook office work and taught as an ex-student. In August, Jean commenced as a Junior teacher at the age of 15 years. She had to teach for at least 3 years before becoming eligible to enter Training College/University. 1928 & 1930-GEORGE STATE SCHOOL Junior Teacher 1931-UNIVERSITY/TRAINING COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY Hobart and ELIZABET STREET PRACTISING SCHOOL Assigned to Elizabeth Practising School and taught infant classes in weekly rotation and carried out general cleaning duties in the mornings and ran to the University on the Domain for classes in the afternoons. 1932-SCOTTSDALE STATE SCHOOL Requested to return to Scottsdale as mother was sick. 1933 & 1934-BRANXHOLM STATE SCHOOL 1935-INVERMAY STATE SCHOOL 1936-SCOTTSDALE STATE SCHOOL (Primary Section) Promoted to III.B by examination. 1936-ULVERSTONE STATE SCHOOL 1939-ULVESTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL Promoted to IIIA., Infant, for good service. 1940-MOONAH PRIMARY SCHOOL Appointed as Teacher-in-charge. Taught Montessori class. Freddy Truscott, a blind teacher was the only male. All the other male teachers were at war. 1941-MOONAH INFANT SCHOOL Resigned on marriage then re-employed as married woman. 1943-Resigned to have 3 children. Pauline, Tony and Diane. c1948-ELIZABETH STREET INFANT SCHOOL Promoted to demonstration school. 1950-Resigned to have another child. Julie. 1951-ELIZABETH STREET PRACTISING SCHOOL Returned to teaching. 1952-PRINCES STREET INFANT SCHOOL Appointed as Temporary Assistant in the Kindergarten. 1953, August -LENAH VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL Temporary Assistant. 1954, March-ELIZABETH STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL Temporary Assistant. 1954, Three weeks-LENAH VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL Swapped schools with Mrs Phylis Laing. 1954-ELIZABETH STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL Appointed as the first married Head Teacher in Tasmania. Relieving Margaret Curtis (formerly Hodgman) as so that Mrs Curtis could complete her University studies to qualify as an Inspector. 1961 to 1964-GOODWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Infant Mistress. 1961, March-Jean’s husband, Sydney Francis Sweeney died suddenly. 1961-Toured the state with school inspectors and toured Tasmania demonstrating Cuisenaire Maths method to teachers. Conducted Adult Education classes on Cuisenaire for teachers from both state and private schools. 1964c-WESTELLA Toured the state with Warren Brewer and Trevor Leo developing a Social Science programme. 1965c-CAMPBELL STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL Infant Mistress. 1967c-BELLERIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL Infant Mistress. 1970-BELLERIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL School fire. Lost personal teaching materials. 1972, July-BELLERIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL Required to retire from the Education Department at age 60. 1972-ROKEBY PRIMARY SCHOOL Infant Mistress. The Education department requested that Jean come out of retirement to spend two years establishing the new Rokeby School. Initially started classes at Bellerive. 1974-ST THERESE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL MOONAH Asked to take over the prep class. 1980-ST THERESE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL MOONAH Jean reluctantly retired again at 70 years of age.
19.01.2022 Some time ago we posted this photo of the Ringarooma Area School, and got some help with names and dates. We are very pleased that we have been given the exact date (1940) and all of the names, so for those who are interested, here are all 85... Back row: Jean Stingel, Alison Kidd, Lorna Jacobs, Myra Conroy, Joyce Butt, Bernice Bennett, Marjorie Thompson, Genevive Rowbottom, Marjory Barnett, Gwen Torley, Vera Anderson, Dorothy Burr, Jean Cocker, Fay Whitehead, Elaine Yates, J...ennifer Bird 2nd row: Shirley Lewis, Fay Gill, Joyce Burr, Marjorie Walker, Tiny Styles, Valerie Woods, Joyce Burr, Heather Butt, Beverley Rattray, Jean Styles, Shirley Sturgess, Pixie Barnett, Mona Hampton, Noreen Cherry, Ena Diprose, Jean Kennedy, Dorothy Chorley 3rd row: Esma Doherty, Betty Barnett, Isobel Chorley, Mary Conroy, Joyce Sowell, Joyce Apted, Rita Cunningham, Dorothy Eddy, Olive Kohl, Eileen Harper, Doreen Conroy, Inez Mountney, Dolores Dakin, Kath Rattray, Elsie Sweet, Mabel Cocker 4th row: Kath Peters, Dorothy Bird, Kath McDougall, Treasure Davenport, Ruth Kidd, Gwen Cunningham, Joy Chorley, Beryl Viney, Shirley Waldron, Nancy Church, Betty Cox, Phyllis Kidd, Thora Butt, Heather Sutherland, Betty Lewis, Phyllis Wright, Mascot Rowbottom, Neita Rattray Front row: Merle Anderson, Una Barnett, Audrey Apted, Betty Burr, Jenny McNeair, Annette Burr, Margaret Burr, June Tompkinson, Doris Viney, Geraldine Sowell, Margaret Breadmore, Beryl Eddy, Beverley Burr, Joan Youd, Audrey Burr, Jill Rattray, Phyllis Burr, Rosemary Bird. See more
19.01.2022 It is hard to think of any words to do justice to young men and women who lost their lives in the service of us all, but it is important that we always remember them.
19.01.2022 Continuing our journey along the Briseis Race, we start from Ringarooma and follow down to the siphon crossing the Dorset River. After addressing the contradiction of the historic photo of the Dorset Siphon taken in 1902, we proceed up the hill to find where the siphon changed to a race that snakes around the hills to Ruby Flats near Branxholm. The tourist walking track at Ruby Flats near Branxholm is certainly worth a visit for anyone wishing to get a closer understanding of the work involved in building the race is a must. We take a stroll along a deep section of the race to where it became a timber fluming. The timber works of the fluming are rapidly disintegrating but still visible. On our last episode we will visit the last two siphons before entering Derby and the Briseis Mine in operation.
18.01.2022 Scottsdale District School, 1953, Grade 6 (so we believe). We don't have any names, so are looking for some help here.
18.01.2022 In this episode we explore the very start of the Briseis Race up past Talawa. Here water from the South Maurice River is channeled down a race to Dunns Creek where more water is added. In between the Maurice and Dunns Creek, we explore the 70m tunnel that cuts through a ridge. Not much remains of the gauge boxes and control gates, but the race is easily recognized if it is hard to walk down, because of the undergrowth. We did find one fairly intact control gate thanks to John Sykes and Jane guided us to the tunnel entrances. Most of the places we visited are on private property, please respect this ownership. Thanks to the Sykes and Forsyth families and Lester Carins for help in researching this subject.
18.01.2022 An expedition to find the remains of the Valley Siphon, between Branxholm and Derby. Many travellers must wonder about the small lake on the southern side of the road near Derby. This is the site of a tin mine that was started in the 1880's and closed in the 1950's. The old road circled the Valley Pond with its collection of houses. The Derby - Branxholm bike trail passes through this area but there is no signage to explain its past. Further up the valley, hidden in the thick bush, are the remains of a large siphon that once carried 24 million gallons of water per day to the Briseis Tin Mine at Derby.
17.01.2022 A taster to the final episode of the Briseis Race video. This "behind the scenes" clip shows you some of the problems we had in uncovering relics of the Briseis Race near the Black Creek Siphon.
17.01.2022 Today's unidentified images from the Society archives are female hockey team photos. Any suggestions on names, dates, teams or locations would be appreciated. Those with expertise in hockey might like to comment on uniforms and the technology of the sticks.
17.01.2022 Gage sent through this photo which almost certainly includes members of the Kidd family, and may be of the Ringarooma school, but we need some help. Can anyone identify the building in the background, or recognise anyone in the photo? We've lightened the original photo sent to us to make it a bit easier to see details.
15.01.2022 Derby must be one of the most altered townscapes in Australia. The recreation ground was established early in the life of the town, but John Beswick's history of Derby tells us that in 1939 the Briseis company announced that it would soon need to acquire the ground for another deviation of the river to allow them to follow a deep lead. While the old site was the only one suitable for a recreation ground within Derby there was little opposition to the concept, reflecting the reality that Derby existed because of mining, plus the company promised to provide a new venue. With thanks to Graeme and Fran Williams for another excellent postcard.
15.01.2022 Ladies' day again today...
15.01.2022 Part of the history of Derby, on the market again.
15.01.2022 Winnaleah District High School 1980, Grades 1 and 2, with thanks to Sally for the image. A mere forty years ago, and to these little angels it probably seems like only yesterday. We don't have all of the names, so please feel free to list them below.
14.01.2022 Ladies' day in our month of unidentified images. We are very pleased with the feedback and information received so far - it is very gratifying to be able to put names back on at least some of the photos in our archive.
14.01.2022 Would you like to support our Society? We invite everyone to become a member for only $20 for a year. Please send us a Facebook message and we can send you details for a direct deposit, or pop in and see Rod at the Scottsdale Art Gallery and Cafe. Members receive occasional emails on Society business, and get access to our catalogues of people and images for your own research.
13.01.2022 Petrus De Savoie's grandfather, Trunfio Giovanni, spent 2 years in Tasmania between 1944 and 1946 as an Italian POW. From information provided by Petrus, his grandfather was assigned to a number of places in Tasmania, including in Ringarooma for the S. J. Andrews family (Petrus advises that this was 'probably Isabella Susan Andrews') from March until June 1945. Trunfio returned home to Italy in January 1947. Petrus is looking for any information on his grandfather's time in Ringarooma, and any information on the family that hosted him. Can we help?
13.01.2022 On this day 124 years ago the Launceston Examiner reported on a gathering at West Scottsdale: "a large number of friends met at "Homewood" the residence of Mr. R. G. Ladbury, J.P., and spent a very pleasant afternoon at tennis, rounders, dancing on lawn in front of residence, and games. They were brought together for the double purpose of celebrating Mr. Guy Ladbury's natal day [Robert Ladbury's son Guy would have been 27] and the opening of the splendid tennis ground just completed. When a few details are finished it will be one of the best country courts in Tasmania". The home now belongs to Bruce and Deanna Scott, and this photo is of the house taken from that tennis court.
13.01.2022 As we all rest on the weekend, let us remember the workers who made our lives possible. Hopefully we might be able to put some more names to these faces.
13.01.2022 Thanks for the responses so far to our month of 'unknown' images. It is good to be able to store these photos back into our archive with the correct names. Today, four more couples.
13.01.2022 A great story - make sure you look at the photo of old Bowood, it is quite special.
12.01.2022 It's raining men... more images from our archive
12.01.2022 This video shows the slides from Michael Watt's presentation last night. Michael's contact details are at the end if you want to ask a question or provide Michael with some information from your own research. It was a great to see a good turn-up of interested people on a very wet and windy evening in Scottsdale.
12.01.2022 Today we feature some couples from our large collection of 'unknown' images. For some of these we have suspicions, but would like confirmation from those who might know more than us.
12.01.2022 Following Jeff and Roger's excellent new video yesterday, we are back to unknown images today from the History Society's archive.
11.01.2022 A continuation of our attempts to uncover some of the remains of the Briseis Water Race, its intakes, weirs, siphons and races. Built between 1901 and 1902, this nearly 50km long race, fed the famous Briseis Tin Mine with a reliable supply of water all year. It was a mammoth construction feat, one of the largest in Australia at the time, employing over 300 men. The race, dams, siphons and tunnels and cuttings were made without any modern machinery, mostly by hand and pick and... shovel. In this episode we search for the intake on the Ringarooma River at Trenah. With the aid of previous research by Revel Munro and a detailed description of a visit to the site in 1902 by the late Miss A E Fraser, we finally put together part of the Briseis race puzzle including locating the place where a high level, wooden fluming crossed the Ringarooma River at a height of over 40 feet. Unfortunately we didnt find any photographs of this amazing construction but did uncover numerous photographs of the race, weir, sluice gates and races under construction. Much of what we found is on private property and we thank local farmers for giving permission to access their land. See more
10.01.2022 We have decided to make October "Unidentified Dorset photos month", so look out for an avalanche of images in a couple of weeks time. We will be posting two or three photos each day from our archive of groups and individuals where we are confident that they are from Dorset, but over time the details of the people in the photos have become lost. Hopefully, for at least a few of them, someone will recognise the place and/or the subjects, and we can update our archive with the correct details. As a taster, here is a group having a picnic. It is always interesting to hear your views about fashion and anything else you can spot which might help with dating and identification.
10.01.2022 A local family recently dug up this bottle in their yard. We've posted before about Charles Stammers BUTTON (1828-1907), who once owned the Esk Brewery and who manufactured aerated waters and cordials in Scottsdale. In 1888 he opened an Aerated Water Factory just outside of Derby, then in 1895 transferred the business to his son, Edmund Button (born 1864), who became a prominent citizen of Scottsdale. The local family sold this broken old bottle for $100. So who wants to start digging up their back yards now?
09.01.2022 On Grand Final(s) weekend it is appropriate that we focus on sport...
09.01.2022 What will become of one of Bridport's special buildings?
08.01.2022 Some more fine Dorset properties...
08.01.2022 70 years ago today the North Eastern Advertiser reported: Show Secretary. Mrs. May Winter. The North Eastern Show is unique in Tasmania in that the secretarial position is occupied by a woman Mrs. May Winter who has proved her worth in past shows and is now in her third year. Mrs. Winter has a flair for organising, she likes the work, and attends to her multitudinous duties in a capable and courteous manner. It is noteworthy that the secretary is a daughter of a former president Mr. E. O. Jones who for many years took an active interest in promoting the advancement of the North East, and in whose honour a Memorial Cup is presented each year for the champion hunter". May Winter continued in her role with the Show Society for many, many years. Image courtesy of the John Winter Collection.
08.01.2022 Reminder: 5pm today, Scottsdale Art Gallery & Cafe, public talk by Michael Watt (Hobart) on German immigration into the North EastReminder: 5pm today, Scottsdale Art Gallery & Cafe, public talk by Michael Watt (Hobart) on German immigration into the North East
07.01.2022 Today's offerings of unidentified images in our archive, again focussing on women. A lot of history is told by men, and focusses on the exploits of men, so it's time to give back to these women their place in our history. We welcome your thoughts and comments.
07.01.2022 A little bit of Scottsdale's town history (the Apex garden, not the public toilet). Mid-1970s? Do we know who was responsible for the idea and the hard work?
07.01.2022 After exploring the eastern or Derby side of the Valley Siphon, near Derby in north east Tasmania, we returned to explore the western end and start of the Valley Siphon. We also wanted to find the roadway that was constructed to take pipes to the bottom of the siphon where they would be hauled into place on a wooden tramway using horses and winches. We also wanted to find the actual Briseis Water Race that fed water into the siphon.
06.01.2022 Another beautiful photo from Margaret of 9 of the 13 Lowe children at Alberton. Her grandfather William James is on the right. He was born at Alberton in 1892 and looks about 16 in this photo, dating it to around 1908. The ninth child, Nellie, was born in March 1908. They look dressed in their best, and the older girls are holding small sprigs. I wonder what the occasion was?
05.01.2022 A recent visit to an old haunt, the mysterious Blue Tier. In the 1970's I took Scottsdale High School students up to the Blue Tier with the legendary Peter Burns as guide. Exploring mine adits and discovering relics of the long gone tin mining days. We usually ended up covered in fat, juicy leeches by the end of the weekend. The Blue Tier has a wealth of interesting historical items if you take the time to research and visit.
05.01.2022 As we start the working week, another nod to the workers.
04.01.2022 Coming soon, the start of the Briseis Race and inside the maurice Tunnel.
03.01.2022 This image comes from a humorous 2019 post on this website: https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/1973-championship-of-austra and tells the story of when the four major footy state premiers came together for one long weekend to decide the best side in the nation: Richmond, Glenelg, Subiaco and the team from 'the tiny town of Scottsdale' from Tasmania. Some great names here...
02.01.2022 In telling the story of the North East it is important that we recognise the contribution of individuals. Richard Peach FOAT came to the Dorset region around 1883 and was instrumental in helping set up the Mechanic's Institute and the Masonic Lodge. In 1884 he opened a new store in Scottsdale in partnership with William Hawke, then became a local auctioneer. Seven years later, perhaps because the business hadn't worked out, he moved across to the North-West, then later to the mainland. However, he returned to Tasmania and died in Launceston in 1917 aged about 68. Although he had left the region many years before, locals noted his passing, recognising his fine voice and the contribution he had made to local choirs and musical performances. Photo of Richard FOAT courtesy of the Lodge Dorset digital archive, dated to 1886/87.
01.01.2022 Today it's all about the children...
01.01.2022 Today we go back to school. We once had the names on these photos, but the dog ate them, honestly Miss!
01.01.2022 Sometimes the Society receives images with no metadata i.e. information about who, what, why, where and when. This is one recent example, from John Winter's collection. It is clearly a large gathering, likely to be near Scottsdale, but who, what, why, where and when remain a mystery. Can anyone suggest where it might be? Based on the style of photo, and the car, the 'when' looks like late 1920s or the 1930s?
01.01.2022 Many different types of photos today...
