Kiama Historical Society in Kiama, New South Wales | History Museum

Kiama Historical Society

Locality: Kiama, New South Wales

Address: Blowhole Point Road 2533 Kiama, NSW, Australia

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24.01.2022 We are almost at the end of our virtual tour of NSW with ARCHIVES IN YOUR TOWN. Just two stops to go! See the archives & remember some of the buildings & people that make up your town. Next stop is Kiama WHEN: Thursday 10 June @ 2pm BOOKINGS - https://www.facebook.com/events/149637907041075

20.01.2022 This is a great photograph of the Kiama Football Club. The photograph was taken by Henry Holden in 1897, the year the team won the local premiership. Unfortunately, there are no names on the photo, but John McCaffrey the owner of McCaffrey's Hotel (later known as The Brighton) is easy to recognise. He's the man in the suit with a moustache in the middle row, next to him is the club secretary Alfred Wood. Kiama Independent 02.10.1897 - During the season the Kiama Football Club... played ten competition matches, winning nine and losing one thus carrying off the South Coast premiership, and becoming the holders for one year of Mr. Alex. Hay's challenge shield. The team went through the first round without a defeat, a feat never accomplished on the South Coast before. Last year's premiers were defeated by Kiama in both matches played this season between these teams. The success of the team has been mainly due to the strength of the forward division. Mr. W. Smillie, who has represented South Coast several times in matches played between Sydney and country tennis, captained the team throughout the season. The nearest competitors in the competition this year were Gerringong (with 28 points against Kiama's 36) and Berry (with 26 points). Our illustration of the team also includes a portrait of the president, Mr. John McCaffrey, and Mr. A. E. Wood, hon. sec. Mr. McGaffrey is a veteran in all manly sports and has been of immense service to the club. Mr. Wood is an enthusiast in football matters and is indefatigable in the discharge of his duties. We would love to know who else has played any of the football codes for Kiama.

19.01.2022 A NOTABLE CELEBRATION. 4th April 1896 KIAMA, Saturday - The little seaport town of Kiama, so well-known for its export of dairy produce and blue metal, two things which have certainly little in common, was en fete today, the occasion being the celebration of its centenary. An attractive programme had been arranged to cover the whole of the day, but two or three untoward circumstances prevented its being carried out in its entirety. The procession round town of the friendly so...cieties, for instance, had to be abandoned, the majority of the young men having, at the last moment been called to a military encampment at Wollongong. This was a thousand pities, for triumphal arches had been erected at the intersections of the principal streets, and everywhere lines of bunting spanned the roadways. Then again there was no band, and of course a centenary celebration without a brass band could not be tolerated. Things therefore had to stand over until the arrival of the midday tram, which brought quite a crowd of people, and what was quite as important to the success of the celebration, the band of the Volunteer Artillery, Sydney. The proceedings opened with the luncheon, which took place at the Grand Hotel. Alderman Hindmarsh, the Mayor, presided, having on his right Mr. J. H. Carruthers, Minister for Lands, and on his left the member for the district, Mr. Alex. Campbell. The others present included the old identities of the district, and the indefatigable secretaries, Messrs. John McLean and Walter Hunt. Dr. Read proposed the toast of Parliament, which was responded to by the Minister for Lands and Mr. Alex. Campbell. Mr. Carruthers next proposed success to the district, and Mr. D. L. Dymock and Aldermen Hindmarsh and Fredericks responded. Budd Billy 2nd, King of Jervis Bay, and King Mickey Johnson were conspicuous figures about the town with a retinue of followers. See more

19.01.2022 We thought we would share these great sketches of Kiama. They were drawn by a staff member of the Sydney Mail. The artist signed his name in the bottom right hand corner E. Fischer. The images appeared in the Sydney Mail in December 1883. 1. A farmer on his way to town 2. David Lindsay Dymock (President of the Agricultural Society) 3. A packman meets the carrier at the wharf 4. Kegs of butter being prepared for transport... 5. Pigs being prepared for transport to the market 6. A dairy farm 7. Poultry coops being unloaded for shipping 8. The milking shed 9. A calf being taken to the wharf the hard way 10. A Pony working the barrel churn See more

17.01.2022 The Antrim Theatre was an 804 seat movie theatre located in Manning Street, Kiama. It operated from 1924 until 1970. The theatre not only showed movies but acted as Kiama’s unofficial town hall. There were dances, balls and award nights held at the Antrim during the years it operated. Everyone’s (magazine) Vol. 4 no. 227 p.5 September 1924: The Antrim Model Picture House, erected at a cost of 20,000, was opened at Kiama last month. This thriving town of the South Coast Distr...ict, has progressed so much of late that it was felt that a more fitting edifice was necessary for the picture patrons, hence the decision of Mr. A.G. Carson to respond to the desire of his public. The new house was officially opened by Mr. Mark Morton M.L.A. and the Mayor of Kiama. Mr. Carson personally supervised the building operations and also designed the theatre. A Cummings and Wilson machine has been installed and the best of seating as well, whilst an orchestra of six will provide first-class music three nights a week. We would love to hear your memories of the Antrim.

17.01.2022 In early 1862 moves were afoot to introduce Penny Banking to the working class people of Kiama. The aim of Penny Banks was to encourage and foster habits of regular savings and economic frugality. In turn, the board of the Penny Bank would invest the money into a regular savings bank and the interest would be divided among the Penny Bank depositors according to their original deposit. At Kiama’s local Literary Society meeting, board members from the Wollongong Penny Bank ga...ve lectures on the benefits to Kiama should they decide to open their own Penny Bank. After the meeting, a provisional Kiama committee was formed to make the preliminary arrangement for the town to open its own Penny Bank. At a public meeting, a few weeks later the Reverends Kinross, Turner and Wilson attended to show their support and to encourage their parishioners to take the opportunity to save some of their meagre incomes. At the meeting it was noted that people from as far away as Jamberoo & Gerringong were present. The rules of Kiama’s Penny Bank were drawn up in May 1862. It was determined that the Penny Bank would operate in the Courthouse on Saturdays from 2 until 3pm and 7 to 8pm. Miss Elizabeth Francis had the privilege of making the first deposit in Kiama’s Penny Bank. She was followed by several her brothers and sisters. By the close of business that night the Penny Bank had taken deposits of 6 12s 6d ($570.00) See more

15.01.2022 Here is a very grainy, but beautiful photograph of Barroul Villa, which was built by Thomas Surfleet Kendall and his wife Caroline Blake Rutter. Thomas Surfleet Kendall was born in Marylebone, London in 1807, the third of nine children born to the Reverend Thomas Kendall and Jane Quickfall. His youth was one of adventure and discovery. He lived with his family for some time alongside the Maori people at the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. He then returned to England for a few y...ears to train as a carpenter. By 1828, the 21-year-old Thomas Surfleet Kendall was running his fathers 500 acre Kiama property, which was known as Barroul. Thomas married Caroline Blake Rutter in 1830. Thomas and Caroline settled on Barroul before relocating to their property at Milton for a few years. They returned to Kiama c.1845. Caroline Blake Rutter was born in Sydney in 1809. She was the daughter of a saltmaker and governess. After the early deaths of both her parents Caroline and her two sisters were admitted to the Female Orphan School at Parramatta. From the Orphan School, Caroline was sent to work at Bathurst. Caroline’s sisters married Michael Hindmarsh of Alne Bank and Thomas Chapman of Hartwell House. In the late 1850s Thomas and Caroline built Barroul Villa. It was constructed by carpenters George Switzer and Cornelius Leggatt, who were brothers in law. The house was always known as and referred to as Barroul Villa. It was not until the house became part of the new hospital site that the name changed to Barroul House. Thomas, Caroline and their family were all committed members of the Wesleyan Church. Thomas laid the foundation stone of the newly constructed Wesleyan Church, Kiama in 1862. Thomas Surfleet Kendall died 2nd November 1883. Caroline died 27th June 1891. They are interred together at Kendall’s Private Burial Ground, Kiama.

13.01.2022 Did you know that the first pool at Pheasant Point used to be the "Ladies Baths?" Before the ladies of Kiama had their own swimming pool they shared the pool with the men at Blowhole Point (the locals called that pool the bathing hole). The ladies baths were constructed in 1893 by local builders White & Davies. This photograph was taken in 1896. Note that the shed has "ladies only" written on it.

10.01.2022 Here is a photograph of people enjoying a swim at Surf Beach. By the swimwear being worn we estimate that the photo was taken in the 1930s. Note: The lifesaver on the right hand keeping an eye on everyone (leaning on the lifesaving reel). How many people who see this photograph have been lifesavers? Photograph by Rex Hazelwood courtesy of SLNSW.

09.01.2022 Did you know that in 1908 sailors from the American Fleet visited Kiama? The following newspaper article appeared in the Kiama Independent:- The American Fleet - Yesterday the much talked of visit of a detachment of officers and men from the American Fleet, now lying in Sydney Harbor, became an accomplished fact, and Kiama and district people succeeded in extending a cordial and hearty welcome to the representatives of Uncle Sam. Weather conditions unfortunately were anything... but auspicious, a cold wind accompanied with rain at frequent intervals prevailing nearly all the time the Americans remained, but notwithstanding the wind and the rain, a bigger crowd has not thronged the streets since the Jubilee celebrations many years ago. Well on to 2000 people turned out to welcome the visitors, and at all early hour the railway station was crowded, awaiting the arrival of their train. Punctually at 11 o'clock it steamed in, and as it did a ringing cheer went up for our American cousins, who stepped out and returned the greeting in just as hippy a manner. The crowd, however, were subjected to a rather big disappointment, for instead of 100 officers and men arriving, as was expected, only 41 lined up beside the 2nd Regiment Band (25 strong) which accompanied the detachment. The visitors were marched to the Blowhole Point, where opportunity was given to them to view the Blowhole, which as luck would have it was working fairly well. The Jackies were said to be a friendly lot of fellows, and all ceremony being dropped, the towns people and committee were soon engaged in friendly chat with them, showing the sights and telling of the different industries carried out in the district. The Blowhole seemed to be of great interest and appeared to strike Uncle Sam's boys as something out of the ordinary. After viewing the baths and shipping facilities they were marched to the Oddfellows Hall for luncheon. Kiama Independent 26.08.1908 See more

09.01.2022 Here are some beautiful WW1 postcards from our collection at the Kiama Historical Society.

08.01.2022 The Man Behind the Camera Samuel Cocks Artist and Photographer 1870-1948. This beautifully written book, complimented by wonderful photographs is the work of local historians Robyn Florance and Graham Harmer. It was launched today at Kiama Leagues Club in front of an interested and delighted audience. If you would like to know more about Kiama’s most interesting and dedicated photographer Samuel Cocks and his experiences capturing images of life on the South Coast of NSW, it’s not too late to purchase a copy. Kiama Library will be selling copies on behalf of Kiama Historical Society from next week. Cost per book is $25.00.

07.01.2022 Michael Sullivan's newsagency Manning Street, Kiama. On the reverse of the photograph is written - "the driver of the car seen standing in front of your shop, will be calling on you on Wednesday the 31st inst., and it's always Time for a Capstan". The slogan "Time for a Capstan" was used during the period of WW11.

06.01.2022 Please be advised: Given the current situation and our concern for our members and visitors, the Kiama Pilot's Cottage Museum will be closed until further notice. All meetings and events organised by the Kiama Historical Society have also been cancelled until further notice. We appreciate your understanding.

06.01.2022 The end of WW1 saw Australia carrying a huge war debt. During the war Australians were encouraged to support the war effort by purchasing war bonds. After the end of the War Australia had the war debt as well as the financial responsibility for those men returning from the front who were unable to work. As a way of raising money to help aid in the country’s recovery the government introduced the Peace Loan Campaign. This campaign involved aeroplanes flying around the countr...y giving acrobatic displays at towns and cities to encourage donations. The aircraft became known as the ‘Peace Loan Planes. On Saturday 14th August 1920 there was much excitement in Kiama and the surrounding area. Shops closed and families gathered in anticipation of seeing the Peace Loan Plane. Many of the locals doubted its arrival given the gales buffering the town on the day. At around 11.00am the school bells rang and horns tooted to announce the plane’s arrival. As the locals headed up towards the blowhole, where the plane was initially to land many felt disappointed when the plane made its graceful landing on Chapman Point. People made a bee line straight towards the landing place. No-one wanted to miss out on one of Kiama’s moments in history. For the pilot Lieutenant Aubrey Rees, it was like coming home. He had spent time at the signals camp at the showground prior to leaving for the battle grounds of France. The Mayor thanked Lieut. Rees and his mechanic for making the trip under such adverse weather conditions. Rees thanked the mayor and the people of the town and encouraged the locals to donate to the cause, which had bought him there. Soon it was time to leave for Wollongong. Along the way Lieut. Rees and his mechanic Sergeant Cathcart would fly over Jamberoo and Dapto. The wind was said to be blowing fiercely when Rees made his attempt to depart. Upon take off the plane only made it 30 metres off the ground before a strong gust of wind almost flipped the plane over. Attempting to recover, Rees crashed the plane into one of Kiama’s famous Norfolk Pine trees before hitting the ground. Both the pilot and mechanic were bruised and badly shaken, but fortunately both walked away with their lives. Pictures show the crashed plane and the pilot Lieutenant Aubrey Rees.

04.01.2022 Here is a great photograph of Alfred Gallop in his buggy on the Kiama bends between Kiama and Gerringong. The photograph was taken in 1908. (If you are looking at this photograph on another FB page we would love it if you liked our page).

03.01.2022 This is a photograph of Kiama’s first motorised ambulance. The photograph was taken in 1930, when the ambulance was 3 years old. The people in the photograph are L-R: Jack Gale, B. Henderson, Arthur Wingate, Bill Hawkey & Charlie Husband. Kiama Ambulance - At last! After many weary hours of collecting and organising by the local committee (Mr. W. Hawkey, Hon. Sec.) the Ambulance Brigade is an accomplished fact in Kiama. The Superintendent (Mr Arthur Wingate) and his wife bro...ught with them a beautiful ambulance car, which they drove over from Newcastle, where it was built. It is a Master 6 Buick and fitted out completely. Every resident who has made an inspection of it, have expressed their admiration and the opinion, it is a credit to the committee of Kiama, and an asset to the town. The car is fitted to carry three stretcher cases and two sitting up. The objects of the Brigade are: 1. Ready always day or night. 2. To render first aid and relieve the suffering of the sick and injured. 3. To transport all classes of cases to hospital or doctor, as directed by the doctor or patient. 4; To give the general public yeoman service free' of charge. The public must not be mindful of the fact, that the brigade exists on voluntary public donations only, no charges are made for services rendered.

01.01.2022 In 1930 newspapers around the country carried stories about a mystery sea serpent active on the South Coast of NSW. Serpents had been seen at both Bellambi and Kiama. A story in the Illawarra Mercury reported: What is now known as the 'Bellambi sea serpent' keeps bobbing up along the coast. On Tuesday it is reported to have been seen at Clifton but yesterday morning it was again reported to have returned to Towradgi. It has been arranged that a fleet of motor launches, which... will include several from Sydney weather permitting, to make an onslaught on the monster on Sunday morning off Towradgi. Not to be outdone, Kiama also had its own sea serpent. On Thursday 10th July 1930, a reporter and photographer from the Daily Pictorial Newspaper spent the day waiting for the sea serpent to leave its lair, which was believed to have been beneath the Kiama Blowhole. As fate would have it as soon as the reporter and photographer had left the sea serpent once again made its appearance much to the delight and astonishment of the local people. Mr. Brown, standing on the verandah of his Pheasant Point home witnessed the sea serpent raise its head 6ft out of the water and dash off toward Blowhole Point, where the slippery beast made its home in underground caverns. Dan Thompson and his mate Mickey Richardson had also witnessed the wondrous creature that same day. The speed in which the beast travelled meant no launch could keep pace with it as it raced off towards the Blowhole. Stories of the serpent disappeared from the newspaper soon after. Note to readers: The Bellambi serpent mystery was solved when a trawler patrolling the area found a tree trunk more than 50 ft long floating in the waves between Bulli and Coalcliff. (If you like this story, please help us to build up our new Facebook page by giving the Kiama Historical Society a like. Thanks)