Majors Creek Yesteryear in Majors Creek, New South Wales, Australia | Museum

Majors Creek Yesteryear

Locality: Majors Creek, New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 429 145 699

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24.01.2022 It has been bought to my attention the location of the Hennessy family home. An old Majors Creek identity some years ago said it was located over the creek on the rise opposite to the battery and had silver birch trees around it. These trees can be seen looking left as you turn right towards the cutting bridge. Jocelyn's house was on the left and Cannings on the right over the creek. Bill Hennessy Snr worked at the Snobs mine and Caterina 1898 and Elizabeth 1896 are buried in the Majors Creek cemetery.

24.01.2022 The funeral of Charles Lewis moving along George St 1917. The cortege may have left the Church (see centre of picture and the pines) moved down Hill St and around to George St to pass by Mr Lewis residence where Graham Gibson lives today or the funeral may have left his residence. It was not uncommon in those days to walk with the funeral possession to the cemetery.

24.01.2022 Here we are in 2020. Lovely rain after months of bush fires.

24.01.2022 A function on the Recreation Ground c1925. The hall in the back ground, can be identified by the doors and small louvers. What a transformation now. Note: I have a photo of my uncles wedding reception in 1927 and the verandah was on the hall then.

24.01.2022 The Mignon Pianola (Piano) in the Majors Creek Recreation Hall was purchased in 1926 when various fundraisers were held towards its purchase. In July 1926 there was a Plain and Fancy Dress Ball when Miss Marj Cook won the Popular Girl Competition. The Piano was unveiled and used on that night and an amount on 145 pound was raised. On the following night a Juvenile Ball was held and a further 140 pound was raised. It was used as a pianola for many years later as the piano whi...ch has been used for dances over many years. Musicians from all parts of the district have played this piano and for over 30 years Mrs Ivy Stuart sat at that piano suppling the dance music for the many patrons who attended the dances at Majors Creek From the Land Friday 1 October 1926 THE TWO BEST LETTERS Majors Creek, via Braidwood, 29/8/1926 Dear A.B.C. This letter is my first to "The Land" and I hope you will accept me as a member of the Y.F.P. The letters are very interesting in The Land". I love reading them. I have three brothers and no sisters, I am thirteen and in sixth class at school. Majors Creek was an old mining town. There are some very pretty places around here. Two of the prettiest are the mountain and the falls. They are very pretty in the spring time. the wild flowers are out and the ferns and trees look beautiful. it is a wonderful sight to see them in the morning. The dew sparkles like diamonds on the leaves on the trees. We have a hall here and have just bought a pianola. We had a dance here on 23rd July and a popular girl competition and raised 145 pound towards it. Dont you think we did good? I am learning to play the piano and violin. I can play a good few pieces. I went for an exam for the piano last year and passed. Love to all the "Landites", your new friend, RITA RANKIN.

23.01.2022 1918 Boys: Back Row: Ned Dunshea, B Parker, Bill Greenwood, George Griffith, Vic Carter, Ted Gardner, Tom Gardner, Fred Parker, Charlie Heanes, Fred Gibson, Bill Bendyke, Bert Parker. Second Row: Nin Heazlett, George Gardner, Artie Greenwood, T Bolton, Lionel McDonald, W Wilton, Austie Wiggins, Aubrey McDonald Ernie Heanes. Third Row: B Griffith, Ron Dunshea, Ron Canning, Bert Flack, Hector Coles, Wall Parker, Reg (Sam) Cook, G Greenwood, B Greenwood, L Carter, Glen Wiggins.... Girls Back Row: Cissy Barnes, Grace Gardner, Flo Cook, Edna Keyte, Daisy Coles, May Heanes, Ada Gardner, Grace Stuart. Second Row: Gwen Keyte, - Bolton, Nell Jocelyn, Marge Lewis, Lorna Bills, Ena Jocelyn, Minnie Wiggins, Winnie Routley, Winnie Green, Marge O'Heir, Doreen Lewis. Third Row: Hannah O'Heir, Elsie Jocelyn, Ina Snare, Lorna Belcher, Lil Mather, Vida Clutton, Rose Coles, Violet Greenwood, Jessie Crandell, Marjorie Cook. Fourth Row: Noel Hasler, Esme Minton, Edna Kevill, Reta Wiggins, Myra Minton, Doris Wilder, Grace Heazlett, Gladys Heazlett, Phylis Baker, Reta Rankin, Gladys Baker, Stella Bills, Edie Clutton, - Clutton. See more

23.01.2022 Early Majors Creek Post Card, Date unknown. On back of post card written Bill Colley with boy and dog and Sam Wiggins on the horse.

23.01.2022 Majors Creek / Araluen football team c 1930s taken outside of the Elrington Hotel

23.01.2022 A school was first established in the village in 1857 with Mr. David Treehy as its master. It was a simple weatherboard shell previously used as a store. Mrs.Treehy had to descend a steep bank 150yds from her house to procure water for domestic use, As a result a well was sunk and a pump provided by Thomas Keyte at a cost of 25 pound. Mr. Treehy suffered severe illness and begged for retirement later being replaced by Mr. George Hogg. Edward Kemp visited Majors Creek and oth...er schools in the Braidwood district and saw the unfitness of the schools. In 1888 the state of the school could no longer be ignored, tenders were submitted and plans drawn up for a new weatherboard school to accommodate 100 pupils. Eventually a larger brick structure was submitted and was built by Knowles and Smith of Surry Hills in 1889 and the old school was removed. The following year an ornamental palisading was extended along the front of the school grounds. Taken from Mrs. Penny Ruzickas research of Majors Creek Public School. See more

23.01.2022 To all who have liked and enjoyed my postings of old Majors Creek photos and gatherings, Thank you, and May you have a Happy and Safe Christmas and look forward to again sharing some of the history of Majors Creek and our pioneering families in 2020.

23.01.2022 From SMH 27th April 1936. School Residence burnt down. The Public School Residence at Majors creek was totally destroyed by fire caused, it is stated by a benzine iron which the headmaster Mr A Whiteoak had been repairing when he was called to tea. As Mr Whiteoak re entered the room after tea and struck a match there was a blinding flash and the whole place burst into flames. it was only with the greatest difficulty that Mr Whiteoak rushed his wife and two children to safety. A violent wind was blowing, but the volunteers managed to save the school itself, only a small portion and one ceiling was damaged. Mr Whiteoak lost all his belongings including 15pound in cash.

22.01.2022 Majors Creek Public School c 1920's Teacher Miss Heazlett

22.01.2022 The game of Rockley. Rockley was first originated by a Mr OHara from the town of Rockley NSW. It was a form of cricket for young women using the usual cricket wicket and boundaries and a soft like tennis ball. The boundaries were a little smaller and marked with flags. The picture shows the Long Flat team at that time.

22.01.2022 Southern end of George St to Araluen St. 1950s. r/ Macs general Store with residence behind and further to right Clowreys home. Looking north along George St.

21.01.2022 St Stephens Majors Creek. Date unknown. Note the shingle roof. 150 years old 2020.

20.01.2022 I have been kindly leant a DVD (taken from a VHS) over 30 years ago of Mrs Ivy Stuart playing some old songs on the hall piano. This bought back many memories for me listening to her play and the many times we danced to her music. Although Mrs Stuart left us 26 years ago the memories of those days live on with many.

20.01.2022 The Majors Creek Public School has seen many students over the years resulting in obtaining high positions. The photo is an early one of over 100 students of all ages taken in 1892.

20.01.2022 Majors Creek Public School (1889) and Residence. Not sure if it was the original residence as it was burnt down and replaced with the identical residence from Jembaicumbene. Later sold and removed.

19.01.2022 Many a prank was played by larrikins of the village when enjoying a few drinks as told by late Ned Dunshea in his book Majors Creek Memories. " I can remember one enactment when an old chap was well under the weather and the boys considered he was far enough gone to bury. So they took him down to the sand at the Foot Bridge at the foot of Red Hill and promptly dug out a hole and buried him up to his neck. Then one of them was allotted the job of being the chief mourner as thi...s chap was the best crier in the party. So, of course a parson was required to administer the last rights and another chap who couldnt read was there by appointed. They obtained a cookery book from Mrs Heazletts kitchen at the Elrington to supplement as a "Testament". The parson promptly set out to read the burial service with the book upside down and when reminded of such he replied that they didnt understand as he was about to read it in Latin. Another great story of the good times had in the village. The Foot Bridge is the one mentioned in a previous post.

19.01.2022 From Braidwood Review and District Advocate 24th August 1926 The new roof on the Church of England has been completed and the old building now presents an attractive appearance. The work was carried out by a slater from Sydney, the churchwardens having previously had the shingles removed in readiness for him. In this respect great credit is due to Messrs F W Lewis. Caine and Warren upon whose shoulders the bulk of the work fell. They were assisted by many ladies of the congre...gation and well as some of the school boys and girls. During the process of the work the assistants were supplied with afternoon tea by Mesdames Caine and Lewis a courtesy much appreciated by the men exposed as they were to the cold bleak winds on the top of the roof. Much yet to be done to the inside in the way of varnishing the seats and providing new matting. The money in hand from the socials should be sufficient to meet all the expenses. Interesting on the All Saints Day 1st November 1970 the centenary service was held and a new carpet was dedicated to the late Ron Canning. This would have replaced the matting in 1926.

17.01.2022 Another one from the 1950s Flacks and McDonald family get together at Farringdon. Names please any suggestions!!! See names below.

17.01.2022 As Christmas approaches each year we are reminded of the Annual Childrens Christmas Party for many years organized by the Majors Creek PandC Ass. Prize giving for the school children, Santa for the young ones, a nativity play and carols. highlight of the evening was the beautiful Christmas Cake made and iced by Mrs Aggie Cawthorne. Another great tradition in the village. The photo from the early 1960s l/r Millie Thompson. Una Stuart, Aggie Cawthorne, Win McDonald, Ivy Hall, Phillis Quist, Mattie Flack and Glady Stuart . Great memories

16.01.2022 Winners of the Anything Goes Competition at the festival. The "Nitwits" headed by Tiny Goninan

16.01.2022 Wiggins Bakeries could been seen in many towns in NSW. All originated from the Wiggins family at Majors Creek and learnt the trade by Granny Wiggins. photo 1. Minnie Wiggins and Winnie Green (my mother). 2 Aubrey McDonald (my Uncle) and Glen and Clarrie Wiggins outside Wiggins Bake House. 1920's.

16.01.2022 Majors Creek Public School. 1918 Girls Mrs Handly and Miss Heazlett. Boys Mr Handly. I have a complete list of names of Boys and Girls in these photos as my mum and dad are in them .

16.01.2022 1960. An annual weekend away for the McDonald, Lewis and Stuart families. l/r Ross McDonald, Win McDonald, Beryl Lewis, Gary Lewis, Una Stuart, Allan McDonald, Kevin Stuart and Keith McDonald. Missing Ken Lewis , Lionel McDonald and Brian McDonald (took photo). Great memories of good times together.

16.01.2022 Majors Creek Football team l/r Ref. Archie McDonald. top row: Jim Keyte, Harry Carter, Sam Wiggins, Tom Keyte, Jack Keyte, Jim Rankin. second row: Reg Lewis, Ted Wiggins, Leigh Byrnes, Vic Cook, Clarrie Wiggins. third row: Nin Heazlett, Tom Izzard, Bill Greenwood Ball Boy.

15.01.2022 Over 100 people gathered at the Majors Creek Hall in 1996 for the Way Back Ball in aid of the Majors Creek Bushfire Brigade. Dancing continued to the wee small hours to the music of the Crooked Corner Dance Band. A night to be remembered.

14.01.2022 Majors Creek early 1900s taken from Red Hill opposite the School. Centre Dance Hall and residence, right Wiggins bakery and Post Office, above centre Police Station and far left the Church. Note the pine trees

13.01.2022 Coles family cutting chaff. Photo taken in front of the large shed behind the Bootmakers shop and Residence in George St. (remember it well before it was pulled down) l/r back row: Reuben (Ted) , George, James Coles, . standing: Jack Archer, Tom Coles, Ernie Archer, Marjorie Coles, front row: Mary, Ruby and Esther Coles.

13.01.2022 Goulburn Evening Post 3 Jan 1889. Death by Drowning at Majors Creek A young youth named Green 17 years of age living at Majors Creek was drowned while attempting to save his brother who was bathing and had gone under twice. James Ellis 15 years of age rescued the latter but unable to save the former although he tried strenuously. He succeeded in drawing out the dead body after an hours exertion. The youth was George Green who would have been my mother's uncle.

11.01.2022 From Braidwood Review and District Advocate 17th February 1942. Majors Creek Reunion by Mr J.F.Heazlett. It went on to say Notwithstanding the ravages of drought and war, this Annual Reunion of old Majors Creek residents was celebrated in Parramatta Park on the 26th January. The day was ideal but the park had lost much of its charm, the grass was scorched and faded, flowers and withered leaves mute evidence of a devastating drought. For many years old residents met and remini...sced about the years gone by. In this account of the reunion the writer reminded those present of the time when we played hide-and-seek in a large-size coffin. Bill Toney kept the Butchers Arms Hotel for many years. Long before he passed on Henry Hinchliffe fitted him with an up-to-date coffin. His property was to pass on to our family. Maybe he was afraid we would order a cheap funeral, so he took precautions and paid beforehand for an elaborate send off, headstone and all. They should have staged a rehearsal. The coffin was stored away in an old ballroom adjoining and we must have spent many hours in it when we were kids of a tender age. See more

11.01.2022 Wiggins Bakery. Photo1:l/r Aub McDonald (my uncle), Glen and Clarrie Wiggins Photo 2: Minnie Wiggins and Winnie Green (my mother) My mother Winnie McDonald prior to her marriage worked for Granny Wiggins in her shop.

11.01.2022 Northern end of George St. r/l The block where my house is, next Carters Shop with residence behind (now Graham Gibsons house) and then Granny Lewiss (where Grahams dam is)

11.01.2022 Majors Creek Public School. Around 1920s Names? Male teacher is Mr Jim Hanley

11.01.2022 The first Roman Catholic Church at Majors Creek was built in 1869 and demolished in 1929. it was located on blocks situated bounded by George and Mundy Streets on what was known as Chapel Flat. If anyone has any information in regards to this old building (photo, weddings, special occasions etc) I would be most grateful. In Majors Creek Memories the late Ned Dunshea recalled that some of the material from the old church was used at our local hall.

11.01.2022 The photo below was originally Plowmans Store . Mr Plowman was often seen marching up and down the verandah tidily dressed with his fingers in his waistcoat. Following that Mr George Coles came in from Long Flat and was renowned for his leather boots. His son Ted Coles took on the trade and was a well respected bootmaker for many years. The photo may have been when Plowman had the shop. It was destroyed by fire in the late 1980s.

10.01.2022 As the 150th Anniversary of St Stephens Church approaches it brings back a lot of memories of the Centenery Service in 1970. The photo shows Mrs Ruby Jane Keyte (nee Heazlett) cutting the Centenery Cake made and iced by Mrs Aggie Cawthorne with a small church on top. Mrs Keyte can also be remembered for officially switching on the electric lights in the church in 1959.

08.01.2022 The photo is a plaque that hung above the fireplace in the big room of the Majors Creek School dating back to 1903. Mrs McKellar of Exeter Farm can be remembered for her charity work throughout the district. The plaque has remained in the school thanks to the owners.

08.01.2022 On 10th November 2020 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of St Stephens Church. The following is a description of the occasion taken from the Town and Country Journal 19th November 1870. The foundation stone of St Stephens Episcopalian Church about to be built at Majors Creek was laid this week by the Bishop of Goulburn Bishop Mesec Thomas in the presence of a large concourse of people.... The day was warm and fine. The Rev. A. D. Faunce and Rev. Puddicombe and a number of the church from Araluen were present. A bottle containing coins and a memorandum of those engaged in the good work, and the date was deposited in a cavity in the stone. The ceremony was then performed by his Lordship to whom a very handsome chaise silver trowel with a carved handle and also a turned mallet was presented by the building committee. On the towel a suitable inscription was engraved. His Lordship, Rev. Puddicombe and Rev. Faunce delivered addresses. A collection was made at which the sum of fourteen pound and six shillings was placed on the stone. A luncheon took place in a marquee composed of bushes, about 200 people partaking of the good things. Between 300and 400 were present at the ceremony. His Lordship was later driven to Braidwood By Mr. T. J. Roberts Esq. to attend confirmation. The photo shows the church with its shingle roof and late the present roof. See more

07.01.2022 I am at present compiling a book on the history of all churches in the Braidwood District. Many now are only history but linked with many of the old families. On researching land owned by James Ellis the following (attached) appeared in the Goulburn Herald 2 April 1862. It appears that this never eventuated and a Presbyterian Church was never built at Majors Creek

06.01.2022 How things have changed over the years. The photo shows a new dam just completed and to the edge on the right of the wall is the old Jocelyn home orchard. Although only the trees remain, in years past you could see the Jocelyn home looking north along George St. A daily walk to the village for provisions.

06.01.2022 This is the Fancy Dress Ball previously posted 4th October 1940

05.01.2022 Majors Creek Public School Mr Handly teacher

04.01.2022 Not sure of the year. Before decimal currency.

04.01.2022 The old shop on the corner of George and Araluen Sts (not sure of the date) Plowmans and O Connors had a shop there and later Coles Bootmakers Shop. Ted Coles was a great bootmaker I remember well taking my shoes up to get half soled (all leather those days). The shop and residence was destroyed by fire in the 1980s

03.01.2022 Another one from the past. Mrs Stuart at the piano playing the Christmas Carols at the Annual Christmas Party. Santa never missed giving her a present.

03.01.2022 Photo 1914 of well known Majors Creek family Martha (Nee Keyte) and Charles Wiggins and their family. Martha was born Chelsea England and Charles was born Henley on Thames Oxfordshire England and they married at St Andrews Braidwood by Rev James Allen 1862. Charles and Martha established the Majors Creek bakery in the 1870s. The Wiggins name over the years became a household name in Bakeries around NSW all originating from Granny Wiggins and her bakery.

02.01.2022 Ludwik Baumgardner (Gardner) was one of the districts identities and was known everywhere. There was no more a good natured or kindly man than Ludie as his friends knew him. He was a familiar figure at sporting events throughout the district competing in several horse events at the Braidwood Show and could always be seen at horse racing meetings at Majors Creek and Braidwood. Many a helping hand was extended, and a good turn done quietly to those in need that was never heard... of by the public. He was a very honest person and boast that he did not owe a penny. His distrust of banks and paper money gave way to many stories, Ludie at one time had a large number of sovereigns hid away in tins and pickle bottles and buried in the ground. The old man told this story as he had to leave his home at Long Flat suddenly one day and did not know what to do with the pickle bottle full of sovereigns. To dig a hole in the floor of his kitchen or to dig one outside would leave too plain a track. He then adopted of shoving the golden bottle down into a sack of flour in the corner. A day or so later when he returned home, he was shocked to see flour spread over the floor and an empty bag nearby. However, the bottle was there as it had rolled against the wall. A stray cow had pushed the door open and helped herself to the flour. In 1926 when the community of Majors Creek were raising money to purchase the pianola for the hall it was Ludie who contributed with his bottle of coins. He also contributed to the building of St Marys Church in 1936 by buying a foundation stone. Ludie passed away in 1939 aged 77 years and his final resting place in the Majors Creek Cemetery. See more

02.01.2022 Over 40 years ago in the mid 1970s The Majors Creek Bushfire Brigade was reformed. The Bushfire Shed was built and fundraising began in earnest to purchase our first tanker. This was done by means of donations, functions and raffles. Following the arrival of the ex army international further fundraising went towards a Toyota Landcruiser Ute. Cuttings are from the Tallaganda Times.

01.01.2022 Waiting for the mail at Majors Creek. Date unknown. P.M. Mr J W (Bill) Wiggins on verandah, Granny Wiggins with long apron, Sarah Stinson in black skirt and Mrs Grant in white frock. Mail contractor just arriving .

01.01.2022 School Residence date unknown This was the first residence , burnt down and replaced with one identical from Jembaicumbene.

01.01.2022 November 1976 saw the Waterfall and Gold Festival held at Majors Creek with 4000 people attending over the two days and nights. Among those who attended were The Minister for Sport and Recreation Mr K G Booth and wife, State Member Mr Ron Brewer and wife, and Federal Member Mr Murray Sainsbury and wife. Deputy Shire President Cr Cargill and councilors Black and Callan also attended. The weekend was full of entrainment for young and old with a dance on Saturday night with two bands playing nonstop. Sunday saw a family day with a farewell BBQ and childrens events, the weekend finished with an Open Air Ecumenical service on the Sunday afternoon. Highlight of the weekend was many who dressed in period costume as in the photo of Jack and Nell(nee Jocelyn) McGrath.