96
GOODAYWANG RESERVE PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN -=· - --- ----· - ·- l' ' for GOSFORD CITY COUNCIL by Dr Robert V] P Varman, Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant. September 1999 . ._

PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

GOODAYWANG RESERVE PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION

MANAGEMENT PLAN -=· --~ - --- ~

~--- ~~- ----~~ ----· - ·-

• l'

' • •

for GOSFORD CITY COUNCIL by Dr Robert V] P Varman, Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant.

September 1999 •

. ._

Page 2: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

I

CONTENTS

Introduction ..................................................................... l Summary Recommendations ......................................... 3 Belle Vieu map 1841 ........................................................ 4 Location and Identification ........................................... S Statement of Significance ....................... ~···~·················6 Acknowledgements .......................................................... 7 1v1~1Jttocl()l()~)l ............•........................••.............................. j7 ~it~ J?lletsitl~ ...................................................................... ~ Phase 1, Pre 1830 .............................................................. 8 Phase 2, 1830-1841 .......................................................... 10 Phase 3, 1842-1888 .......................................................... 16 Phase 4, 1889-1920 ......................................................... ."20 'Old Farm' Estate map/poster ............... ~ ........................ 22 PhaSe 5, 192.0-1930s ......................................................... 26 Phase 6, 1930s-1954 ......................................................... 31 Phase. ·7, 1954-1999 ............... ., .................................... ; ...... 34 Schematic Site map ......................................................... 3 6 Inventory of Historical and Archaeological Sites ... .40 Flora and F·auna ............................................................... S3 Visitor Trends and Impact. ........................................... 56 Preservation/Conservation Recommendations ........ S 8 .Site Interpretation .......................................................... 64 Interpretation Themes ................................................... 64 .Signage ................. · ............................................................. 66 Recommended Areas for Future Facilities .................. 70 Walking Tracks ................................................................ 7.3 Appendices ....................................................................... 7 5

I

Page 3: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• •

INTRODUCTION

A brief archaeological assessment was commissioned through the Gosford City Council's Environmental Heritage Advisory Committee with the aim of identifying the nature and date of the archaeological remains found at Goodayang Reserve. The report, entitled Point Clare Site: Archaeological Assessment Summary: Foundation Remains at Belle View Point on Lot 1 DP 68582 (Section A 'Old Farm' Estate, Point Clare), was presented on March 26, 1998 ..

The documentary evidence was compared with actual features found on site. The findings, in summary, were that there were several features surviving from the 1830s/1840s period but that the bulk of the obvious remains on land dated from early in the twentieth century.

This report was commissioned on june 2, 1999 as a result of the May meeting of the Environmental Heritage Advisory Committee which approved funds for a 'Goodayang Reserve Preservation I Interpretative Plan'.

The prime aims of this report are to identify the historical and archaeological elements of the site, provide a documentary outline for the items and present a series of suitable conservation and interpretative strategies for the reserve so that all significant surviving elements may be conserved within the framework of a functioning public reserve, or park.

During the European historical.period the reserve was the physical setting of a series of events that began in 1830. The central part of the reserve was cleared and fenced but after some decades fell into a decline as the Brisbane Water area became more intensively settled. From the present appearance of the remnant flora and fauna of the reserve it is clear that the area reverted to bushland, or secondary regrowth forest.

The reserve was completely cut off from the bushland and the cleared areas to the west when the Great Western Railway line was established by the cutting of a deep slice out of 'Beautiful Hill'. The appearance of the area was considerably altered when the sloping hill was cut away and the study area became a virtual island. The 1841 plan to subdivide the area into residential blocks and the 'Old Farm' scheme of the early twentieth century were both eventually abandoned, instead, the area under study being developed into a recreational spot and camping area. The house remains represent Langley House. It appears that facilities for campers and day visitors (wq.shrooms, showers etc.) were built toward the back and north side of the house). The south side of the jetty was turned into a protected bathing area~ by about 1920. The development of recreational areas

Page 4: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

elsewhere along Brisbane Water probably resulted in a decline in popularity of the facilities. The house burned down by the early 1950s and the site was cleared of all 'improvements'.

Overall, the reserve has retained its present appearance over the last fifty years, though there has been a gradual decline in the extent of the regrowth native bushland.

The documentation for the site is comparatively sparse because of the lack of urban development, long periods of stasis and private ownership (or leasing arrangements).

For the purposes of this report a number of aspects have bearing on the archaeological resource, for example: visitor numbers, the nature of the visits, vehicular use, site services, maintenance, neighbours, erosion patterns, weed control. These are taken into account in this report, based on site visits and past experience on similar sites.

The structure of the report is as follows: •

Introduction: providing the background conditions of the report.

Phasing: presents the history of the site, as far as is known, so that the value of the archaeological elements can be understood.

Inventory of Archaeological and Historical Sites: identifies the elements that make up the site to be protected. Summaries of the present state of the reserve are presented involving flora and fauna, site facilities, visitor and vehicular access.

Preservation/Conservation Recommendations: these are presented according to the site inventory numbers, listing options on how the various elements may be protected and enhanced.

~

Site Interpretation: listing a number of options on how the site may be presented to the visiting public. The low visitor numbers and assumption of limited funding are taken into account but recommendations are provided which may be implemented at some time in the future when circumstances may change.

'--------- . -- -- -- ------ - --------- ____ ___j

Page 5: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

' -

SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the 'status quo' be maintained but with active protection of the archaeological resource using methods which will halt surface erosion, promote bush regeneration in some areas and regulate vehicular access.

The. site should be interpreted using non-intrusive written and illustrated signage in key areas where the remains can speak for themselves. All interpretation elements should be vandal-proof since the area is isolated. Local schools and community groups of the area should be made aware of the resource to further the study and care of the reserve and its relationship with its broader setting.

Facilities such as public toilets may not be justified at this stage due to low visitor numbers but such facilities should be located in the 'cove' area, _ south-west of the wharf, in the location of item 10.

Debate should be encouraged as to how the reserve could better serve the community. A long-term project should be to consider opening up the reserve by creating a railway footbridge or underpass at the end of Welwyn Grove. A walking trail should also be considered to take visitors into and beyond the reserve, particularly beyond the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and link in with the foreshore reserve of the remainder of Fagan's grant. Some form of access across the railway line will have to be considered.

Page 6: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

••

• •

• •

• •

• •

'" . • • •

• •

..

• •

•• • •

•.

• • • • ..

• •

' .. • 0·

• •

' •

• •

. . • ••

• • •

• •. •

"'...... ., -· • • •• •

• • • • • •

• •

• •

••

• •• '

• • s .... • .,

: I' .n- \, ~ i -'

• •

• • •• •

• •

-... '' _. ,.,..,. .-- r

... ,. .... ~ • .:i- .._,.

• •

• •

• •

• •

• • •

..

• •• ..

• ' . •••

•• ••

.. t.OlMt

•• • •• • lj" ..

• •

.. ~ ....... .. ... c

• •• .. •• .• fi

• . .,.v

• •

• .8

• •

~· ,'~ •• •

s

••

. .

... -

• •

• •

• •• •

"I

• •••

• •

• • •

....... ..

I I

" • • •

• • •· • • • •

• Vf.EV

• •• •

' • ;<S-

o •

• •

, • ·• • '

• r. jt:;ltJt

•'

'· • • •

• I

• . . . .... ·~ • •

' • •• \ . •• • •

- ---------------------~ ---- .

• • • . ~~

. . !>;' •

• _-:c .. •

. .

• .

Page 7: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--·· -·-·--------------------------------------------.

LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION

The Goodaywang Reserve site is located on the east side of the Great Western Railway and the west shore of Brisbane Water, some distance north of Point Clare railway station and contiguous south of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Point Clare. By 1841 the bulk of it formed the south-east corner of Peter Fagan's grant of 100 acres in the Parish of Patonga, County of Northumberland. By 1901/1902 it formed Section A of the 'Old Farm' Estate, Point Clare, (Application No 18582). The south end of the reserve includes a part of Roberts' grant purchased by Fagan in the 1830s. The land was acquired by Gosford City Council during the early 1960s and is currently described as Lot 1 DP 68582.

The name Goodaywang is found on the 1841 Belle Vieu plan. The name is sometimes contracted to Goodayang. ·'

The 1901 parish map below shows the extent of Fagan's hundred acre grant.

.. . .

.. .......

' .,

• • .. --:~-... '- . . . ' ' ---~ ·~' .'00 ..

. z

• . . , .

~ ' -. . :· -· -· • .

' '

. .

•,

• F.. T. 1/Jkr' .

R. ;n-o/ ..J'Jk, Plf~ II·"' ,~;,~;;, 1 1 R: /n/f lip'tl7,f.tl k,;g . : . ..blt'4;; b! /f/Jtr! (,ff( U! ' '

. • :Jtf.g I .

24

r J!Jt~f.?n

'l-23- ' I

POINT CI.,A(l£ '

r--- _L-~-/'.~. ~~\ I

22

'.P • !-' • ' •

_,.

.<i

/f /..I

~ ~ /1' /4 HI $ /I>

~ 11 1$ .¥ ,¥ ;/ /L

'1' •

Page 8: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

'

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The area comprising Goodaywang Reserve is a historic landscape forged, during the European settlement period beginning in 1830. This statement of significance largely refers to the European development of the site.

The area is of high local significance, containing physical remains dating from the earliest settlement period of Brisbane Water. ·

The site in its relationship with Fagan's grant represents a remarkable microcosm of the history and development of the Central Coast. Directly applicable themes include: early grants, the convict indenture system, timber getting, clearing, agriculture, grazing, secondary native regrowth, water and road transport, internal and external commerce , boat building, shell gathering for lime, town-planning, the impact of the railway, tourism and recreation.

The stone wharf is a rare survivor and is representative of the earliest means of access and commerce which was to open up the Brisbane Water area to settlement. The wharf is a significant physical reminder of early means of transport· by water, the earliest means of transport during the European settlement of Australia. The wharf and associated hut remains are testament to the early grazing industry and agriculture of New South Wales, possible through the convict indenture system of the first fifty years of Australian settlement.

The site has a significant degree of association with early pioneers of the district, particularly Peter Fagan and sons and the Gosford magistrate Alfred Holden MP.

Of medium significance, but an integral part of the archaeological development of the site, are the remains of Langley House - the focus of the Central Coast post-railway recreational phase, (the footings of which drew people's attention to the site in the first place).

The site is of high significance because of the excellent degree of survival of the natural landscape and elements of all significant major phases of settlement there.

The natural landscape is of high significance in that it forms an important element of the Brisbane Water foreshores and views from a wide ranging area, not having been spoiled by road, railway · or housing development Elements recorded in 1841 such as the 'Swampoaks' and 'Woollybut' still dominate the area. the ground cover under the trees along the bank preserve many native plant and grass species, as well as 'micro fauna' such

Page 9: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

r~~ l2_

as the beautiful native snail, Meridolum corneovirens.

The site forms a significant and underdeveloped element of Peter Fagan's hundred acre grant, (now largely built over).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My grateful thanks to Mrs Beryl Strom, historian, who was instrumental in the discovery of a number of unexpected documents. on several occasions since I first became involved with the site; thanks also for helpful comments made on my March draft.

Grateful thanks to Geoff Potter, Local Studies Librarian, Gosford Library, who spared no effort in uncovering a considerable amount of relevant pictorial, manuscript and printed material from the Library collections.

As in my report of March 1998, I repeat my thanks to Mrs joan Fenton and Mrs joan Dent for sharing their documentation. Thanks also to Margarite of the Environment Section, Gosford City Council for making available aerial photographs.

METHODOLOGY

An examination was made relating to the reserve of primary and secondary research material: documents, maps and photographs, so that surviving man-made and natural features could be located, understood and interpreted.

Surveys were undertaken between March 1998 and the present under a number of different circumstances, for example, seasonal, high and low water marks and time of day. Man-made and natural above-ground features were examined which might throw light on the site stratigraphy and sub­surface relics in relation to the documentary evidence. Overlays were drawn using the 1841 Belle Vieu map as a base, superimposing later maps to aid the identification of significant site items.

For the purposes of this report, note was also taken of the types of pressures facing the reserve in regard to visitor access, vehicular use, erosion patterns, weed control, council maintenance and other services as these all have bearing on the archaeological resources.

Page 10: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

SITE PHASING

Phase 1, Pre 1830.

This phase represents the period of Aboriginal occupation and also the initial European exploration and early settlement period in the Brisbane Water district. Few signs of Aboriginal occupation were found at the study site, apart from two possible flint-like stones and a lense of shells just north of Item 24 under the eroding road fill.· Shell beds, very likely Aboriginal middens, were indicated along the north shore of Fagan's grant on the Belle Vieu map of 1841. Shell beds, banks and deposits were noted on the early map because they were the only source of lime for mortar in New South Wales until the early 1850s, hence a valuable commodity. Scatters of shells were found all over reserve but these were found to be of recent origin, apart from the example mentioned above~

The shores of the Fagan grant have an unusual number of Aboriginal place names: Goodaywang (Wharf), Gunga (Point), Cradah (Craduh? Wharf), Cooranbing (Bay) and, perhaps, Willy Willy (Wharf). The methodology used by the early surveyors to seek out these names remains a mystery.

It is· not known if the area was occupied or exploited for timber by Europeans (woodcutters, charcoal burners, shell-gatherers, hunters) before the time of Peter Fagan's grant.

,

-- -----------------"

Page 11: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• • •

• • ' •

" ,. l> -! II 0 c

• •

\ • • • • •

' ~

11 c: r .t: r

;> r ? ;> }

• c F I • •

' ~ I

' , I \

\ ·~·

• I

" \ . \

• • • .. "' ..... "'

' •

• ·•

• • •

• •

• •

• •

0 L"lf.«« W~LL {.LC,AitE-0+ P'A..a.'("l.of .St"VHP<!-.1>

H:A,.S 0~4.._, 1t.l (!th •. "f"fV.-.TJ,ON

(000 .s•\.J r:>"l .so' 1.,.

• •

' r

::~~.--·

• •

• •

I I I I

• •

I I

f 1 I

/

/ /

/

Wtl.<.'( WILLY \Jf-1"' ... ,..

• 1"1!;~ W~llt. •

• ... ' . •• •

• •

• • • • . ' •

• • • •

• • • • • •

• • -

• • •

• • • •

I 1 I I

' l

• •

• •

• •

• •

• • • • . •

• • •

..... ---

• • • •

• •

--

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

·'PtO.<fiTJi.~~ 1 .., ,.. ,.. -'"" " .. "n>OA:CC.o I-IUT

CLI!'A~.D rt.f:.S~,C.\I~A .. bi<"'S ~>IClll:tl

• • • •

• • • •

• • • • • • • •

• •

• • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • •

• • •

• •

• •

• •

• · ... '----------------------------------=-------------------------------------------·-·-

,, • •

• • • • • • .

• • •

r.,~;;.- . L:_

LL .SW ... fo\ ~, 0 4.1(. .,~ ........ (~ .. 4 """'" .... s co l't.loJ4;-I(..

"':--... T~<-4,. 5Tl0\to- c.p

• rA.KE

• •

• •

Page 12: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

----------------------------------------~.-------------------------------~--

Phase 2, 1830 - 1841.

This phase covers the development of the land by Peter Fagan. joan Fenton of the Gosford District Local History Study Group has written an overview of Fagan's career (April18, 1997).

Peter Fagan was born in Ireland around 1793. At the age of 27 he was convicted at Clare and sentenced to 7 years transportation, arriving at Port jackson on February 19, 1821. At the end of his sentence (then living at Castlereagh Street, Sydney), he became a police constable and within two years he had moved to Bathurst Street.

In a Memorial dated 11 July 1829 Peter Fagan was recommended as suitable to receive 100 acres; he was recorded as having 15 head of cattle, eighty pounds and having a wish to build a cottage. The order for his grant was issued on November 16, 1829. Peter Fagan received permission to occupy 100 acres in the Parish of Patonga, County of Northumberland, on May 6, 1830 by Governor Darling. The same year he married Margaret Gilligan and began living at his Brisbane Water grant soon after. In a statement Fagan made on July 20, 1837, he confirmed that he received his grant in May 1830 and began his residence then. In a very convincing statement made by Charles Newman, one of the two men assigned by government to Peter Fagan, he recalled that he and the other assigned man, Edward Moran, were first sent to the property to clear land and that Peter Fagan came 'about' the year 1831 (Statement declared at Sydney, May 16, 1884). A nice compromise of 'late 1830' is possible here, since Newman wrote 'about' 1831.

Documents relating to Fagan's grant usually refer to the original deed as being issued on May 29, 1838 but the deed was a formal document confirming what had been passed on May 6, 1830. The issuing of the deed acknowledged that he had fulfilled the standard conditions for a grant (cleared land, fencing and the building of a cottage). Fagan wrote to ask for the deed on july 20, 1837.

The Newman statement of 1884 describes the following sequence. Newman and Moran were sent to the grant in 1830 while Fagan remained in Sydney. The two men cut down trees and cleared the land for a farm. A hut was then built or had already been built of some 'bark sheets' for the farm labourers. When Fagan came to settle he built 'a large house' (or had it built before he arrived). Newman stayed on the farm until late in 1838. He remembered Fagan going to Sydney to purchase the Roberts grant from Roberts' widow, Elizabeth. Newman obtained permission to grow onions on the Roberts grant. Fagan cut timber and ran cattle on his grant and Roberts' also. A fraction of the latter grant makes up the south end of the reserve.

Peter Fagan's 100 acre grant at Patonga was named "Belle Vue" or "Belle

-- ------ ______________________________ ___.

Page 13: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Vieu", perhaps because of the beauty of the area. The 1841 Belle View map has a notation exactly over the study area which reads "Beautiful Hill". Much of the rise of the hill was destroyed when the railway cutting was made around 1887. In 1836 the grant was extended by the purchase of 60 acres and called 'Cooranbean', at the time Fagan applied for a publican's licence. The house now known as Henry Kendall Cottage was built by Fagan on this land. Mrs Fenton believes that Fagan moved from his Belle View cottage to the Cooranbean cottage sometime between 1836 and 1840. It might have been after late 1838 because Newman makes no mention of Fagan shifting house while he worked there.

Two shipment losses, 1836 and 1838, reveal something of the activities on Fagan's land and how much he relied on the sale of his produce. It suggests that Fagan had a landing area, possibly several, and that by 1838 he was growing wheat, onions and was raising pigs according to an issue of the Australian, February 1838. As he had a cutter built for transporting goods (wrecked in 1836) he must have made provisions for safe loading and landing; it is likely that the stone-lined wharf had been built by this stage (shown in the 1841 map). There were two other wharves on the north side of the property, probably for use when weather conditions were not favourable on the east side. One of the wharves was associated with a weir and may have had a specialist function. Another viable interpretation may be that the wharves had different functions, the wharf in the study area may have been for livestock being near fences and enclosures. Only the Goodaywang wharf left permanent remains. The 1838 loss was a disaster for Fagan as he expected that shipment to raise enough money to pay off the costs incurred in building of his 1836 wrecked cutter. He had such a good reputation that a public call to raise funds to help him was published in the Australian.

During the years 1884, 1889, 1907 and 1909 legal statements were made in regard to the Roberts' grant to the south show that Fagan was also grazing cattle and cutting timber. ·

1841 is an important year in regards to the documentation of the site. It was the year of the census, revealing that 24 persons were part of Fagan's household, leaving about 15 persons that comprised staff and perhaps their families. This type of arrangement was usual for the time and part of the government plan to distribute population, providing useful employment, food production and land improvement for the colony. Many of the employees on such farms were government servants (convicts) or ex­government servants. Wyoming was an example of a very large establishment on that basis where the hub of the farm must have resembled a small village.

The 1841 W. H. Wells map is a schematic map indicating a house on the

Page 14: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

---------- -- -- ---

• • ~

, .. •

:-' . ... •

•• ••

-••

••

•• • •

..

• ·•If ... f'

• • -•

-~------

• •

b' ,

' f

--~· . - ' •

. .....,

• •

• •

• "'

I 'I

I

• . •

·--··

••

' . .. ... . '. •

. · .. •

.

• • ••

If'. "' ... •

. ' ·- '

... I <.I ,• ..... .. •

• • •

' •

••• • •

\

••

I

• • ;, ~

• •· ¥.. •

• •

'

. ~ . ' •

'

-•

• ••

,

• •

·.!t·~ ' . ' • • I

I : •

'

• • • • I I

• l'l'

I •

I

~

' • '

Iii I

-------- ~-~_,,_._ .. ---

• • ,

I

• ,

'

• J

I

. I •

.;c,~ •

1: .. t o,

• •

.... . .. .... ~ •

I • • •

-...... .... ....

3d ••

·\ ·.-t-T-· +·. ---~~;..._.--·--= '

• '

• ' •

'

..

·water ..... • • •

:. . .,~.c. .. ., • •

' ... -... -

, , •

.... .... --..

\ . ' I ·• 1:r: L : ~ .0.1-l,p,../#4!

• • • • •

I

-...., ___ .. •

, ,.

'

' ,

, •·

---

Page 15: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

.. • •

• •

.L • •

• N I~

rh J\1 .:.

~

.... ~ .. • . "'""-. •

• • •

...

••

• •

• •

• • • • •

• • ,; ..

• • .

'• •• ' .

•'

. .. ... • Q

• ' • • •

• ••

• •

• •

• • •

0

·F...._ IJ

~ . •

• •

• • •

• ........ •• • •

• •

... ~ • •

• I • ' • • •

' • • •

• • • • ••

• ••

• •

••

• •• •

& r() tNt

•• • • •

• • •

• Ap

1

0. '17727 ~

~ tl ...

• •

•• .. ......... . .

• •

• • •

0 •

••

• -,,. "\ • • ' '\

• •

• •

• •

• .& •

-· •

I •

.·~

I ,.,

I

t o; •

• '

o! • •

• Y'F.BV

'

I

• • I I I I

1 •

• •

)

• •• ' \

• •

'

••

• . '

'N

• '.., ;:

'

• . .. ~

. ' I,

' •

• •

• •

Page 16: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Fagan grant and also a jetty in the approximate location of the one in the study area. The 1841 Belle Vieu map was a properly surveyed map with convincing detail and a good resemblance to the area even today.

By overlaying later maps on the 1841 Belle Vieu map, site features may be approximated and an understanding of the property functions may be deduced. The site of the house and outbuildings (which must have included staff quarters) are located somewhere in the square between Collard Road, Brentwood Avenue and Matthews Parade. The structure to the east is marked 'Old Dwelling house', no doubt Fagan's first house beginning to show signs of wear after 10 years and likely to have been inhabited by Fagan's staff after Fagan's departure. The house was-- built by 1831 according to Charles Newman's account. The other structure may have acted as staff quarters and/ or a storage shed. The area within Fagan Park was cleared for agriculture, inducting tobacco growing. A shed, marked as 'Tobacco Hut' was most likely used for drying tobacco. There was also a peach orchard nearby.

A curious feature near Gunga Point, to the north of the study site, is a feature labelled 'Ruins of old Forge'. As it was surrounded by swampy land it is unlikely that it was a metal working forge, the structure was too large for minor needs. It was ruined at the time and the surveyor must have seen something resembling a large flue and concluded it to have been a forge. Factors, such as the remote location from the focal point of the property but near proXimity to shell beds suggest that it might have been a lime kiln (a handy way to bring in extra revenue as there wereno rock lime quarries in New South Wales at the time and shell collecting at Brisbane Water was a major industry). The site is now covered by the ramp for the railway track.

The study area was part of an area divided into three fenced enclosures, the one closest to Goodaywang wharf had a narrowish opening leading to the wharf area, suggesting an area for the loading and off-loading of livestock. The wharf was made of unworked sandstone found in the direct vicinity, the block-like (ashlar) appearance of many of the stones is entirely a natural phenomenon as can be seen at low tide a little further south of the wharf. The 1841 Belle Vieu map indicates a hut just south of the fence leading to the water. The outline of the hut suggests a fireplace at the west end. The hut was most likely built of timber, the stones that mark the spot may have:been part of a fireplace (footing or hearth) or step. The post and rail fence may be the one seen near the baths in the 1915-1920 Langley House photograph but the position so close to the wharf does not entirely conform with the depiction on the 1841 map.

Peter Fagan would have been living on his more substantial Cooranbean house (now Henry Kendall Cottage) by the time of the 1841 Belle Vieu map. Fagan tried his luck at land speculation, the purpose of the Belle View map. Unfortunately the colony was in the beginning of one of the worst economic

L___________ -- - -- --- - ----

Page 17: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

~~··· I

depressions since 1788 and rural land became almost valueless . •

The 100 acre grant was subdivided into lots with streets. It is not clear which parts of the grant were sold then and how they fared subsequently without making a close study of the available conveyancing documents. One clear sale involved the purchase of Lots 2 and 3 of Section VI by the Very Rev Francis Murphy (later became Archbishop of Adelaide), in the conveyance of November 2, 1842. This was the area now extending westward from (and including) the site of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol across the railway land and a little on the other side. The Catholic Church had forgotten about this land until an advertisement was placed in the Times, November 29, 1960 seeking the owners of the land. It was argued that since the Rev Murphy was a Catholic clergyman, he obviously purchased it for the Church (letter 9 Sept 1963) and compensation was paid .

Page 18: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Phase 3, 1842 - 1888

As far as is known at present, the Fagan family continued to own most of the land during this period. It is not yet clear why the study area on the 1841 Belle Vieu map had the name 'Alfred Holden Esq P.M.' written over it or why one projected street running across Fagan's estate should be called Holden Street. Perhaps Holden, an early Gosford magistrate, had purchased the land or had a mortgage or lease interest. In a statement dated August 20, 1909 made by Charles C. Fagan, a son of Peter Fagan, he remembered a· sale to a Holden: 'He bought 4 or 5 acres of my father's 100 acres and lived on it'. The context can be interpreted to suggest that the sale was after his father's death, hence after july 12, 1876 but the 'Alfred Holden Esq P.M.' is in the same handwriting as elsewhere found on the 1841 map. Charles may not have been too young to remember a sale in.1841 when he was only about 10. Peter F. Fagan's account in the Court of Claims of August 20, 1909 mentioned that Alfred Holden purchased land from his father and built on it but it was destroyed by fire. The latter account doesn't make it clear if this land was on the old Fagan grant or the Roberts' grant. However, the fact remains that the study area is included in the 'Old Farm' Estate (ex-Pagan's) subdivisions without reference to Holden.

The original (timber) homestead was apparently gone by 1886 except for a few stones (Agnes Fagan's Diary, October 8, as quoted by joan Fenton). Parts of the land may have been leased out during this period but it seems that few improvements were made.

Most pre-Torrens title documents concerning land transfers list the following documents as part of the 'Schedule':

- 29 May 1838. Crown grant of 100 acres to Peter Fagan. The land was legally Fagan's from 1830 but the actual deed wasn't issued until this date.

- 3 Feb 18 77. Mortgage. Peter Francis Fagan and William Fagan with the City Bank of Sydney. This shows that the land had passed to Peter Fagan's sons after he had died, July 12, 1876 (that did not require a transfer document). Charles Fagan evidently did not mortgage his interest in the property at his stage.

- 15 june 1877. Statutory Discharge of the above mortgage.

- 4 July 1877. Mortgage. The document was a certified copy of the original, involving the three brothers, Peter Francis Fagan, William Fagan, Charles Fagan with the City Bank of Sydney.

- 9 May 1884. Mortgage. Peter Francis Fagan and William Fagan '1st part', Charles Fagan '2nd part' and the City Bank of Sydney '3rd part'. This

• ..

L__ ______________ ------ ------------- ----------------------------'

Page 19: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

document appears to show that the Bank (mortgage) and Charles had a share each in the property and Peter Francis and William had a joint share.

The next transactions occur in 1901 which suggest a major subdivision and sales of the land (dealt with under Phase 4). As the sales are in the name of the Bank, it seems that the Fagan s had lost their shares in the property though an unresolved mortgage.

The area under study, evidently, gradually reverted to bushland, the only early elements to survive being the wharf, some stone footings of the hut indicated in 1841 and the post and rail fence.

The excavation for the Great Northern Railway must have taken place around 1887. This involved the excavation of the rise behind the study area, the maximum height is preserved in the resulting bluff on the west side of the railway cutting under Jindalee Street. The earth and rubble was deposited a little further down the line as fill to raise the railway ramp well above flood or high tide level. The study area remained relatively unaltered, except for clearing along the railway boundary and the occasional dumping of railway related rubbish. A railway crossing was established in line with the 1830s fence, roughly in line with the later Welwyn Grove; this then being the only means of access to the study area .

Page 20: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

I

I I

I

I

• !J 10

-

0 t

.fl

l

i ll

J .4'1 I) .. , .. .. .,

.. J .. '

I

' I

'"' .. lf.OPOA<C:~ 'la"ct"

' .. • •

loo ..... _~ ~ ... ..:-0!'-~i"'

. • •

WU. WVN ~ll

® ~·.2·11

CI..'A~U) 0

@ 3•1. 8

\ .

® ® <;OOD OR..CI-{A R..D

a • " 0 r ,.. ® > ~

((000 ORCHARD LAt-lD

\1 3·0·7' 1.·1·10

~ )o t:1

® A•Z.·O

_,#·~----------~4---------~,------------------~ " • • • • o~. o I

••

7•1-18

@ LA toJ D

-•

B

@

. ••

0 l

I I

I

I

, [ MoiJffil.NsT~_ETS OVERlAYED ON TilE 1841 BELLE VIEU MA_fj) .. '-'

I

. I

' .. -~

@

3 .;z.z.o

L,..ND

® 1•3•:11

ANP

®

OR.C.I-IAR D

@ a·•·.u

GAR.D£N

f'EEr

@ @ 1•1·10

·-

IU:- J) l't.A'Io.l N

09'·09~ 19f2 p,. JIL v. T· VAitHAiol

j;ltOI'\ TM£ •o1.D FA.R.K .. '"T4,.E

""""'" fOQl>T'~~

Page 21: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

.~------.,.--~-_........~----

·.POINT CLARE.' : . '

• . t. ' . . \ ~ I < .~

• • . . .

• ~J!<~j') . ·. '•

, ·~

. . ><~ -

' • ·" . - J. ' . . . "

r---------------~~------------~------------------------------~-~ Postcard. Miss R. Renwick of Gosford, dated ca 1914/1915. (Gwen Dundon,

More Old Gosford and District, p 40). The west boundary co-incided roughly with the present Jindalee Street. The view shows the west fence (item 5) and the north fence (item 4) in the distance. The post and wire railway : fence of around 1887-1889 may be seen to the right of the old fence. No · direct traces of these fence lines survive.

' .

• •

. ' '

. • 't

'

' '

Page 22: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

~0 --~-

Phase 4, 1889 - 1920

The study area had been completely cut off from the rest of the old Fagan property by the construction of the Great Northern Railway between 1887 and 1889, creating a virtual island.

The passage for the railway line was widened for a double track in 1910. A photograph taken around 1914/1915 (Miss R. Renwick in Gwen Dundon, More Old Gosford and District, p 40) shows parts of the west and north sections of Fagan's old post and rail fence but no houses.

The only access at the time was via Welwyn Grove, then just an informal dirt road. The 'Old Farm' Estate niap/poster shows a fully fenced and functional crossing where the boundary fence bent in toward the railway tracks on both sides. The present access road from the south of the reserve is of a very recent date, the area of that road previously being subject to high tides.

The most likely date for the construction of Langley House, now represented by some foundation remains, is some time between 1902 and 1910. Langley House appears in several photographs dating approximately between 1910 and 1920. It is unlikely that the house predated the 1901 survey (see further on) otherwise it would have been indicated on at least one of the subdivision maps. The earliest known indication of the house is that shown on the Kerry photograph (the Fox photograph is of the same approximate date). The Kerry photograph predates the 'house and baths' photograph dated by Beryl Strom to approximately 1915-1920 (note the stump that in the Kerry photograph is a large tree). Kerry or one of his photographers was active in the area around 1910 as there is a photograph of Point Clare railway station showing a single track only but an area prepared· for the double track. The double track was established in 1910.

Evidence from the various surveys, subdivisions and amalgamations provide some dating clues. Mrs Beryl Strom located a survey of Section A (study area), by Percy Nelson, dated December 1912 (recorded at the Registrar General, Sydney, 19th (?) February 1913). The plan was recorded under R.P.A 18582 'Plan of Sec A of a Subdn of Peter Fagan's lOOa Grant/ Shire of Erina/ Ph Patonga Co Northumberland'. This plan was superimposed on the Belle Vieu plan of 1841 and labelled as Application No 18582 (Now Lot 1 DP 68582). The 1912 plan is the same as is shown in the John Miller survey of 1901 but without the subdivisions, lots 1 to 10, and contains other details such as a hatched square in what would have been lot 6. This hatched square almost certainly represents Langley House.

The dating of the 'Old Farm' map/poster is important. The Sydney sale agent was john Miller & Co, also noted on the same document as 'Licensed

Page 23: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

·' ..J.:..:.,.. ...... !;~~t; .,.r! ~j~~t

' .. '~ • •

• •

' __ ..;•;.. ___ '. ... ,- .

• t...·~~Jii- -:···

' .. ' ' ...

•• • "~--

' . . ...

•'

. . .. ,

' ••

.'

.

--',

• _,

• ~ ~'"r"

i\..~· 4_ ~h.,:~:- ~ •J .. . . : : . ' ..

• • • . . .. . . ' ..:-----·

•• it --~ .. . ' ' •* "'· • : '

' -~ .-;-... ... ~~

.• , . . ' '.#,, .,,

• ' "

• '

. .

..

.. -,,..-

. .

·~· .. -." . '

• • • • :' ,"- .-

• ' '

••

• •

• ., . . ., ... -

••

'

~6.

' •

' , .

• • •

. '

·- .... . ,· •

..-.'l··

'.

; .._.' ~' •

·. '

'"'." •

'

•:

,._ .. -­•

-~--

·- -·~-\··./ :..: •

.. _ ... ,._ . .

·' " ' ' . . '·~. -

.,. ~ -~ .. - ~ ... '

... ' ' '

..

' '/

.

·' • ..

.. ~. ' 'fl'i·tl

• · ..

I

•• • •

• •

A

Page 24: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

'

I· /.

• '

\

·~ . .. .....

..

'

• • •

R£SIOENTIAL, ORCHARD, &r FISHINC BLOCKS ,........__ •

. ff)JFJ P!!i'lale SaJ!IJ Libera/· Terms -:~:.:· . ·. • ..

14 . 8 ,,l

. •t•' • • • 'l/ 2~ 0'

(8 f1 IS •••

~0 (9 ,,(,.~ /,,,, IG • 13 ll

• ., . .. ,, . . 1/.,lucJ

'

• •

__ .,. ..

.. •

Particulars from . ·. .. Box 522 G.P. 0. Sydney .

'or John Miller ~Co: · · ·· · '-'tf4 'Moore Sb SY,dne.y.

·.or F. W. Wheelern Cosford . I

.

. '

• •

-Di~trom- . .S.~e.ri11g St.cli"on .f

I I

t.tnf fJJrr.

• ' . . : .. . I ' •

' .. ' ~ . ' . ' . '

•• •

~tJtfmn olaftn,:u It Sydou

• "

Holr.:-J!!Jrt:Js anrf a'ts.-anct:S subjr.cf lo ruision b' Surrr:tors /Jescri;Hon, I// corntN m6rlcuf ~ numbtred posh ;nd f~nche.s.

John Miller 4- Co: L/cUlSed Surr9'ors ~nior /1.!.1.

Bulls Chmo~rs • N Jfoore Sf: Sydney.

• •

I I •

I • , . • •

Page 25: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• •

• l.soRV!'~'

U91l-:)> '

l I ,,

I I } I I I

I I

... -I ... . I . ..

£0d

PlA~ @:_; • •

of Sec A of 21 Subrln a'' Mer t agan·s IOOac.Craht •

SHiR£ OF ERINA

P"Paton~a co Northumber/Bnd r • .r W "~"'_J..tf *·I· 5tJ•'" e' , • .e ..... ... .. .. " . ~ ~ ..

! __ j

• • ••

1 I •

• I

• !

I ... , ........ •

I

••

• •

1ic01=09tt>0 :

••

• • • •

'ON 3NDHd

'

• II • I ·,

(I .. • ' l \

• ." A ,.

• • • • •

• •

• • • • . ' • • • •

'

. ' •

• ,, .

• •

• • • • I

• •

. •

• •

• •

' --.. t

• •

• •

oflds',

' J

• • • • •

.,

If • ,.. •

'

• \ .

• • • • Ji ... Ill

• ., !I ·~"oJ.'"~": • ··· .. :·~ ... ~ .. . "' . • • • • •

. -- . .. .. .. ••

•' • •

• • •

. . .. .. ... • • ••

-I • - •

. ' It ' ••• , •

"" h'f.4:...4<1 ..... , • • ... ,..,., ..... ~ • ... -· • 11 • ..

'~~ ,.• I •

WOC!lS

• . '

: WOe

Page 26: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Surveyors under R.P.A.' John Miller was the surveyor listed in the 1901 Schedule associated with the earliest evidence we have of the subdivision of Section A (study area) into 10 lots (see next paragraph). The map/poster, for Section A at least, is based on the 1901 survey. It is concluded that the map/poster dates to 1902 (when it was recorded at the Registrar General's Office) or soon after and certainly no later than 1912.

The purpose of the 'Old Farm' Estate poster/map was to sell small plots of subdivided land in the study area (Section A) and larger blocks elsewhere (Section B) on the old Fagan estate on both sides of Brisbane Water Drive. The sale was organized by John Miller & Co of 14 Moore Street, Sydney and the local agents were F. W. Wheeler of Gosford. The survey and resultant map, which was later adapted for the sale poster, must have been done late in 1901 because one of the documents listed in several Schedules reads: '22 · November 1901 Certificate by John Miller, Licensed Surveyor'. A hand-drawn detail of this map, including the study area, was officially received at the Registrar Generals Office, Sydney, on January 11, 1902.

The study area was divided into a series of tiny blocks. These tiny blocks were located on the rise above the present east road and were meant for small fishing cottages because the other selling point of the poster/map was 'Fishing Blocks'. The water views, water proximity and the wharf must have determined the selling point of this area. A house seems to have been crudely penned in on block 6 and an· oak tree was marked in with pen and ink, roughly on the site of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol land, then marked as a proposed reserve (at a time when the property title must have been in doubt).

Some of the old Fagan orchard must have survived as this was also a selling point. 'Orchard land' is marked on much of the map and 'Garden' where the old Fagan growing fields were. The northern area near the water (lot 7) was labelled 'The Old Farm' and a house was sketched in later but must have been pre-existing as that seems to· have been the inspiration for the name of the estate for sale purposes (probably thought to be Fagan's actual farm house site).

Two largish houses appear to have been built sometime in the middle of this phase (after 1901) on both sides of Welwyn road. The houses appear to have served as guest houses and the study area must have been part of the general attraction for visitors. The one on the south side of the road still exists. Mrs Beryl Strom has located an illustration of the Welwyn Grove area in an early tourist directory. The 'Old Farm' Estate map appears to show two houses, one on either side of the street (casually scribbled in on the map). The present Bunya Pine is located at the lower end of Section B, lot 5. A panoramic photograph, taken from the end of large swimming baths further north of the study site, appears to show the two houses and Langley

Page 27: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

House (Stinson Copyright, held at Gosford Library).

The 'Old Farm' Estate poster/map seems to indicate a structure in the position of Langley House (looks like an ink blot with a scribble) on lot 6. The house indications were penned in ink, after the map was printed., by someone who knew the area, possibly the Gosford estate agent. The house indication seems to be confirmed by the 1912 survey because the hatched area is also located on lot 6.

In any event the tiny blocks in the study area were not individually purchased but seem to have been purchased in one lot when sales were not going well. They were again offered for sale in 19 2 7. The focus of the study area from here on centres on the Langley House site and the wharf.

Page 28: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Phase 5, 1920- 1930s

This phase is marked by activity between the railway boundary, the house site and the water. By this time, tourism had developed into a major industry and guest houses sprung up throughout the Central Coast region. Point Clare was no exception. Mrs Beryl Strom found an advertisement, dating to 1928 concerning the guesthouse Welwyn just across the railway line in present Welwyn Grove, offering, 'private swimming baths ..... 11 acres of grounds'. The baths may have referred to the baths next to Goodaywang wharf but just as likely the larger baths shown in the Stinson photograph.

One of the most important illustrative sources, originally from the Broadhurst Collection, is a photograph referred to me by Mrs Beryl Strom, found by Geoff Potter, which she dates broadly between 1915 and 1920. The house is identified as 'Langley House'. The Gosford Times of November 17, 1927 contains an advertisement of sale entitled, 'Langley House, Point Clare, Gosford'. Messrs Wilkinson Bros ('Valencia' Buildings, Gosford), commissioned with the sale of the house, described the property as:

" ... sublimely situated on the shore and waterfront of Gosford-Point Clare, having a delightful outlook easterly over the bay, and of an area of about 1 1/2 acres. Torrens with 711 ft frontage to Brisbane Water, facing a 100 ft Reservation and Grassy Slope to waters edge; and handy to the Great Northern Road, the local Railway Station and the progressive town of Gosford. The land is subdivided into ten lots and on [one?] portion is erected a very extensive,

VERY SPACIOUS BUNGALOW IN GOOD REPAIR.

Containing 11 rooms and offices, and verandahs; also good detached building 15ft by 20ft; outhouses, garden and fruit trees.

A FINE HOME IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD - SUIT RETIRED

GENTLEMAN. Also an Extra Area nearby of 3 1/2 acres fine land, facing Main Gosford Road ... "

This advertisement, referring to Langley House, suggests that it was a private house. There has been some suggestion that the house or nearby land belonged to Anglican church, Mrs Strom located a Archdeacon Langley and it remains a research question for the future. The land to the north of the site belonged to the Catholic church but they were not aware of it until about 1960.

The house was not recently built otherwise the agents would not have written that it was in 'GOOD REPAIR'. The reference to the 10 lots and selective sale of land in Section B (west of the railway) suggest that the 'Old

... ---------------------

Page 29: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

-... ,.­• .. .. .. .,

·•

• .. ., ~. • I

• -··

• • • •

{) " .. •

. Broadhurst Collection ca 1915-1920 view of Langley House (Gosford library). This view was evidently taken from a boat located to the south-east of the baths. The , bathing shed rests on the south edge of the wharf. The large Eucalypt, near the ramp, has been reduced to a stump and the tree directly in front of the house h?-s been removed (compare with the Fox and Kerry photographs). In this view the small shrub near the ramp is now a small tree. The position of the post and rail fence is a puzzle as it is shown a little further south in the Belle Vieu map. The fence shown here must have been in that location a long time judging by the erosion seen along side it where it mounts the bank. The shed to the north of the J

house, seen in the Kerry view, appears to have been demolished. Note the bare sides of the bank which is now covered with an interesting mixture of regrowth forest and garden escapes.

" . .

. .

• •

Page 30: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--· EXPERIMENTAL RECONSTRUCTION OF lANGLEY HOUSE. BASED ON SITE AND PHOTOGRAPIDC I EVIDENCE . -

0 CA 5 0 "> ""I._, "­LA,..'"t" tlof...Clir...J Sr6Vti ( 0 VE. toJ ~t(A I ..:> .S.

"'"""" D HC'~ C 1-\ E (t(. ~"<U' F"O"t. F\U (>~ .. <:E- ---

Cl ---

" 0 ... l<<>b<''C. ... 1::>

1/ Q ·~ lJUII..pj,.;t. ~ ~u tstii..l

• "'

- -

l '-" fo~>l "LE l WA~L. I ,f

I CICCJ \ I . .

- -........ J~- f'

0

"

o u n11n • .D , ... <; 01'' ""~~~ 10> '.

-

- - - - - ..... - - - ')- - - - 1 ---

I

I ,, •

----

a

...

-)UJ:S..,. ..SU)'It,.~Ar,C ~· ,-- - ...... - - - - ... -.- - - -1 l

l J :t'O.SS l~L~ \.(.\ r'c. \-It;~ l I I - l 1 1

I I

• ,-

• ""' ' ( ........... ) I r-' I I 4 ~ -

-'i TO >-l 6 -'o

r I

..S\T~ ol"" ....... ,...., J3U\<-J:>Io..3<\

I

/

.. , ......... -· •:

a . -• • •

I

I

'

1

1

I I l t

A"'-f:O. o ..-- L.., n>e..

6X.\I;...:J.S \0,;, ~

- .

• ••

:r ( 4 l • " .. ?

.3."TO,.. E ! "-0

• •

' • •

- . • •

f'rloS~C> J po.$'TlOtr..J ·

f)F- U~Ac:tf.41tev .......

~ .t>.tA\~ ~

. - • . ' • •

~---

" (/

0

--

Page 31: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Farp1' Estate sale had taken place in the past.

The Langley House photograph dated between 1915 and 1920 shows the focus of the study site, Langley House, on the site of the present footing remains. It is a house with a central chimney and wide verandahs on at least three sides. The front, or east side, of the house is raised somewhat from the ground level and rested on brick piers (see Fox and Kerry photographs). An attempt was made to reconstruct the plan of the house by using the archaeological remains and the evidence from the photographs of the house (for example most doors and windows were approximately a metre wide, so a rough scale could be calculated).

The surrounding trees in the photographs appear to be mainly eucalypts but some low bushy trees to the mid right of the photo (above shed but more distant) may have been the fruit trees mentioned in the 1927 advertisement. A bench is seen outside the house to the left and a track down to the wharf and baths to the right. The split timber, post and rail fence very likely dates to the 1830s but differs slightly in location when compared to the 1841 Belle Vieu map location. To the right is the private bathing area, probably constructed between about 1913 and 1915. As in keeping for the times, a dressing shed with a door and handrail was located right over the water so that ladies could change into their swimming costumes and enter and leave the water without having to disport themselves in public. The U.B.D. Central Coast & Suburbs (4th edition) of 1988 indicates the baths but the compilers may have been relying on earlier maps rather than the actuality.

At the time of the photograph there was no access road from the south and the ground level was considerably lower than the present between the water and the bank.

Page 32: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

-

. . ' '

,•

·: " . •' . •'

' .

-·OF· •

• • •

• • ' ' ' ' ' ' \ \

Man.grores

'""C\ • ,, • • • ' ' • • I

'

... ~ .~- ..

-•

------------------------------------------------- ···-------

15!111 IIJIU~

'"'~

- -1\ , ,-,

Page 33: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Phase 6, 1930s - 1954

This phase is dominated by the Great Depression and World War II. Little is known of the site during this phase but it is unlikely to have changed substantially from its appearance in the 1915-1920 photograph. There is some archaeological evidence to suggest that the area, by the end of this period, was used as camping grounds with the house and newly added outbuildings probably acting as shop, shower and toilet facilities.

A Council cadastral plan, dated to 1964 shows lots 1 to 10 of Section A as previously but by then the baths were 'public baths'. Two previously unrecorded structures are shown on this plan: a small structure along the road reserve behind Section A, lot 6; the other, southward, down the road from the baths. The small small structure was probably a surviving outbuilding, part of a later development of Langley House (also to be seen in the 1954 and 1957 aerial photographs). The other structure can not be easily explained unless it was a boatshed or public changing rooms/toilets. The cadastral plan was based on aerial photographs and features are sometimes misinterpreted by cartographers.

The physical evidence of the site seems to suggest that at the beginning of this phase Langley House and surrounding area became a recreation ground for campers and day visitors. The house received a number of additions to the west side (back) and north side. The additions were not substantial structures but appear to have timber framed with fibro wall cladding. The additions were probably shower blocks and toilet facilities for campers. New drainage was installed to the back of the house. It is difficult to date ·these additions but they may have belonged to the end of the previous phase. The numerous metal eyes (copper alloy rings of a type usually associated with canvass tents) and other items relating to camping activities found all over the grounds suggests more than just a few casual campers. As suggested above, the house itself was possibly used as a shop, tearoom and residence for caretakers.

The question of when the house burned down is still to be answered. The site was very thoroughly cleared of the above-ground remains but enough remains to suggest an approXimate date. Early remains, or fragments, (early . . .

twentieth century) can be explained by the long occupation period of the house (material that found its way under the house before it burned down or ended up in the garden which gradually eroded out over the years, exposing earlier artefacts). The most recent materials that showed signs of severe heat were of greatest interest in dating the fire. There were quite a number of aluminium lumps scattered over the site - these may have been from items such as kitchenware and suggest a late date. Burned ceramics and molten glass lumps also suggested a 'recent date'. No decimal coinage was found on the site but after rains a 1922 three pence and a George VII

Page 34: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

penny were found near the house site (money lost on the way to the shop?). The coinage evidence is not strong but suggests a pre-1966 date to the fire. The other evidence mentioned above suggest a late 1940s- 1954 .

'

'

------- ------------------------------'

Page 35: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• • • 0

• • • •••

••

' • •

.. •

• •

... .. ,. . •.

• • •

• ;

-

' ••

' •

• ·I·

• ••

• •

• ••

• •

• •

I

1.• "

............ --...

'

~.

••

' •

-' .-·~ •

• •• ..... • • • .... , •

~··· ·~ • ••• • • '"'·-• • ...

.. . .. ~ • ..J,i.. - .., •• ... . :~

•• •

0

• •

• •

' ~ •

~

!

• •

..

• •

~' • •

:!

..

• •

• •

0

• • •

• •

•• .. ~ .

• • •

• N'

" "

I ..

•••

• • • •

• •

'> I I ..~,. ..

I t

• • •

... .. i ...

---

• •

--

• vL . p {). •

• • f. '

• • •

•• •

• •

• • •

•• • •

•• •

• •

•• •

• •

• •

0

• ~ .. f<.'l

. \-..: .. i· "::> •

• • • • l.. -•

• •

••

'lo':u~ ... \- f "

• •• •• • 0

• • • •

• •

• .~ ,4 • •

• •

• •

• , . ~

• •

''1-.

.. ~ .. • • • •••

0

• • • •

6

• •

• •

• • • 0

. • • •• • • ••

• \ \

• •

0

0

• • • • •

• •

I

• • ' • • ; . • ' • • •

• •

• •

• • · . •

• •

• • '

• • •

• • • • • •

" ;; ..

..

• • • • •

• •

• • f

• • •

• •

' ••• ·• 0

••

• •

.• •

• .•

••

• •

• . .... • •

' • •

• • •

• • • •

. .

• •

' •

. •

'

. .. •!_____:_--'.:' ~--___j

Page 36: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Phase 7, 1954- 1999. (Post-fire phase).

The May 1954 and March 1957 aerial photographs show the site clear of the house or any burned remains.

The aerial photographs show the following: the wharf and baths; no east road south of the baths (that is, the present access road to the site); access is clearly via the railway crossing from Welwyn Grove; the east road from the crossing to the baths; a road that heads directly to the Langley House site (the track partially still survives); a road from the crossing that leads north­east; and the small structure indicated in the 1964 cadastral plan. The 1954 aerial photograph indicates a small square structure to the north-east of the Langley House site but as there are no footings in the area, the structure may well have been a privy or even a tent.

The site remained much as it was except for the lower road and bathing area. A structure appears in a photograph (Joan Dent) to the south of the baths in the cove area near the old eroded tracks -this might have been a dressing shed, very likely the one indicated in the Council cadastral plan of 1964.

The east road along Brisbane Water, now the only access route to the site, was constructed after 1964. Vast amounts of rock and sandy fill mixed with some rubbish formed the base of this road and areas toward the bank west of the road, including the cove area near the baths. Earlier structures and natural features have been obscured by this fill. Some trees survived the reclamation on the naturally higher areas, one stump between the road and the water is an old survey marker. The water is gradually eating away at this fill, showing earlier surface levels sometimes over a metre below the present level. The creation of this road appears to be linked with the establishment of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.

The timber frame of the baths may have been replaced more than once but not a remnant of it survives, apart from the late phase concrete retaining wall. The retaining wall was cast in large block sections sometime before 1954 (aerial photograph). There are signs that the wall was extended slightly at each end at a later time and capped over the upper surface. Concrete stairs, once leading down to the wharf have become dislodged. ·A number of concrete wall chunks may have been dumped in that location to halt erosion (unless they formed part of a smaller retaining wall). At the south end some erosion damage was repaired in 1987.

The present wire fence along the railway boundary may be as recent as the 1980s. The early railway fences appear to have been of post and wire fencing.

Page 37: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

The Council placed two timber bench-tables in the park area and a timber rail along one of the tracks to discourage vehicles. No other visitor facilities exist, although council collects any rubbish left behind by visitors. The grounds are regularly mowed.

J

Page 38: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• •

• •so ••• • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

'

I

~..,._ _________ _

.'\ •

' '"""' STUHr w•~

~ .. ~~~

• • •

'

, /

. --

' 1

SCHEMATIC SITE MAP Site Features

- With Item Numbers for

0--o<>

0

-

0

0 0

.I

I •

........

a

0

® •

I ' I I U.lf~~..... •

liJ. • . ,, ,, ,,

I

•• ' • '

• • •

I

' •

--- ----- .... _ ---~-~---...._.....--..---

• • •• • • •

0 • • • • 0 0

0

0

0

0

• • •

-----------~

0

0

0 0

0

0

.

0

0

- - ~ - - - -~ ·--·

15

" • •

I •

¢ 0 • -·-6-.._o (:@ - .

- .-.."'::: .. -0 .

• •

0 0

0

0 0

-

!

@

...

RV ;ry, 1150191

i't..V.-T.P. VAI'tHI\H .._,.,.ot ... ~~W.t(

• 0

0

0 0

'

0

• f ·,f I 1

'

i '

t I

.U

• • -- -0

a

'------·- ,. ·~- ------~- ----------------------------------------· -.- ___ ,_._

-- - --------------------'

Page 39: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• --

0

• • • • • 0 ~. • • • • • •

0 0~. ----10 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • •

':h oo 0 0

c o·\ ---- -----0

0 - ~ oo

0

.s ... , . I I

0

\

\

"

' . ...

. ' I ' . \ t I

0

•..

... . . . . \ .... •· ................... ~;....--;.....'

..s 1 re- ot"" JA.n-\.s.

Gl tji5'-2.0

0

-

r. u

e

-- • !: lJVt ·- - -.-., -;::1 _.. . ' •

• h

'

. r-- -J : • I

0 • • • - 0

"' ... - ... --... u,wca.~v

liOII.U; JUt<.,.tOI•

- . •

1

~. -:-. -:-, -::-. -:-. :.-1. .. . • ..S.<e .... ,.

', J ' . .

' 0

/

f

/

' l I

1 \ • • • .. - .. '"' ·~ ~, ...... ., ..... ,.

~ - - -- •

1--:::----...,...-.,--------------------------,-----,--=-----~··

OVERlAY OF FEATURES SHOWN IN THE FOX AND KERRY PHOTOGRAPHS ON A CONTEMPORARY SCHEMATIC· SITE PIAN L---~-------------------------------------------------~·--

10 •

0 . . . • • ... .. c:

0

oo

0

0

" .. 0 0 I I

0 'I

0

Page 40: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• • ~; .

- ' . ·.

-

.. "~ -- .

-~o!l-;

' ~\ .. , •• -...._

. ....... ~~ . -. ! c.:-_-.__ ·-

" ..

( ~ - -• .

\ ---- • • "'.~- 1. .. ~ .. --

.. - - '

" . • • ' .

. ~-.

Kerry Photograph ca 1910 (Gosford library). The photographer stood near the end of the wharf to take this scene. The photograph dates to about the same time as the Fox photograph, I judging by details in the scene s~ch_ a§. ) , the two small shrubs near the side of ~\ the ramp up to the house. The scene is a broader one t~an seen in the Fox · {\ photograph, showmg the Eucalyp~ to ··· the right and an untidy shed in the distance. It is clear that there was a seat to the right of the house as well as the left. The large Eucalypt in the foreground is also seen in the Fox photograph but is shown as a stump in the 1915-1920 Broadhurst. Collection view. The ground at the base of the large tree was cut away in recent years but the remains of a number tree roots may still be seen at that location to commemorate the site of the tree. An small shed, apparently a long-drop privy is clearly seen to the left back-~ ground of the house .

Page 41: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

The C. C. Fox photograph dates to about the same time as the Kerry photograph. ' This view is in better focus and the

' position of the photographer is cl9ser to the house. It becomes clear in this view that there is a light fence very (. close to the front of the verandah of !

the house. The timber steps to the r-" entrance are clearly visible, as are the :-

brick or stone pillars supporting the ? verandah. There appears to be a sign ~ above the entrance onto the verandah, ;s~ possibly reading 'Langley House'. The ~~ fill of the wharf and a pole to tie up ~ boats is well depicted. If the baths U were in existence at this stage, it . ' would have been somehow included ! ~ in the scene or that of Kerry's. A tree .. ~ ~ had been recently felled, judging by · ~ the branches dumped near the shore. , : The narrow beach would now be partly under the present road. (Copy /j in the Gosford library). ..,.

- - ----- ----------------------~

Page 42: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• INVENTORY OF HISTORICAL AND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

1. Goodaywang Wharf

This was most likely built early in the 1830s as Peter Fagan relied on being able to ship his produce and stock to the Sydney markets and have

.. convenient access to other parts of Brisbane Water. Two of his boats met tragic ends in -1836 and 1838. The earliest detailed map of the area is known as the Belle Vieu map dating to 1841. There are actually two maps dating to 1841, the other being theW. H. Wells map. Both maps show the wharf.

The wharf was made of naturally shaped sandstone blocks; formed by sedimentation and later by an igneous metamorphic process, creating the blocks. The blocks would have been easy to dislodge and laid out as the basis for the wharf. The detailed Belle Vieu map of 1841 distinguishes the area next to the wharf (north) as 'flat rocks', so it is likely that the rocks came from this area. A little to the south similar rocks may be seen in their natural state. The fill between the stones and overburden, forming the 'road' of the wharf, was still evident before the 1920s but was probably regularly maintained for some decades after.

The wharf was the focus of this area during the formative years. The split timber, post and rail fence was arranged in such a way that stock could be herded to and from the wharf.

Two photographs (Fox and Kerry), taken around 1910, show the wharf in fully functioning order. A post seen to the right on the wharf was for securing row boats.

2. Split Rail, Post and Rail Fence 1.

This section formed the mid section of a large paddock recorded in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. The fence would have been constructed during the early 1830s. The fence continued westward, from near the south side of the wharf, between the hut remains and the site of Langley House.

The fence, evidently, had· something to do with Fagan's stock, most likely forming cattle yards. Fagan is known to have run cattle on his property and on the Roberts' grant which was located directly south of the fenced enclosures~ The fenced yards were adequate for limited pasture and possibly as a holding area. It is feasible that the fenced enclosures were at some time used to grow crops but the spil is poor for cultivation in this area, being

Page 43: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

sloping, shallow and sandy without much loam, unlike the flat silt area of the present Fagan Park where cultivation is known to have taken place. The latter area has been backfilled in recent decades to form a sports field.

The fence originally extended right into the water, as appears in the 1915-1920 Langley House photograph (before the road was raised with backfill).

There is a difference between the position of this fence as shown in the photograph (on the south side of the wharf) and that shown in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. The map appears to show the fence a little distance south ,

of the wharf, in the 'cove' area. As fence 2 (item 3) defects down to the north side of the wharf, it is likely that it was a sort of funnel with this fence to channel stock onto or from the wharf. This would suggest that the drive up the bank seen in the early photographs of Langley House was part of this scheme and that this fence actually did terminate at the south side of the wharf. .

The significance regarding the dotted line from the tip of the wharf to the fence and then at right angles along the 'Swampoaks' cove in the Belle Vieu map is unknown (unless this was an attempt to correct the position of this fence in relation to the wharf). ·

3. Split Post and Rail Fence 2.

This section of the early 1830s fence, recorded on the Belle Vieu map, extended from the wharf (with a slight lip) then in a curved line northward, virtually in the same position of the west edge of the present road. The fence may have served two purposes: enclosing the north-east fenced paddock and, perhaps, as a road boundary between the fence and Brisbane Water.

4. Split Post and Rail Fence 3.

This line of early 1830s fence was the north boundary of the north-east paddock as seen in the Belle Vieu map. A very surprising legacy of this fence is the small road between the railway gates and Brisbane Water, the old fence was approximately on the south side of the road. It is also a remnant of what was projected to be in 1841 the east end of Holden Road. Most have assumed that it is the logical extension of the present Welwyn Road but the roads very definitely do not align very well. Whether Holden Road was ever marked out as a road is not known but it does suggest that there was a track along this fence line by 1841, the area to the north being too low and swampy for cart or carriage access .

--------- --·-- -------------------------'

Page 44: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

The west end of this fence and the west fence appear in a photograph taken around 1914/1915 (Renwick) from the upper end of what was later Jindalee Street.

, 5. Split Post and Rail Fence 4.

This is the south boundary of the fenced enclosure recorded in 1841. It also forms a section of the south boundary of Peter Fagan's hundred acre grant and the north boundary of the Roberts grant. This fence is commemorated in the south boundary of Section A, lot 10.

The other sections of the 1830s fence are outside the reserve. The west boundary co-incided roughly with the present Jindalee Street. A photograph by Miss R. Renwick of Gosford shows this fence by 1915. It also shows the north fence (item 4) in the distance. The post and wire railway fence of around 1887-1889 may be seen to the right of the old fence. No direct traces of these fence lines survive.

6. Hut Site.

This was located a short distance west of the middle post and rail fence (item 2). The hut probably also dates to the early 1830s and is recorded in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. It was probably a hut for one of Fagan's stockmen, possibly even the hut or the successor of the hut Charles Newman and Edward Moran used before Peter Fagan arrived in 1830/1831. Newman recorded that one of their first duties was to cut trees and clear the land: this fenced area may have been one of the first to be cleared.

All that is visible from the surface are a few slabs of sandstone (though not typical of the sandstone found along the shore, showing signs of having been split). The attribution really needs more archaeological confirmation but it is in the right position and no other structure is known to have existed on this site.

7. Site Contours

Although these are natural features of the site, they were recorded in the 1841 Belle Vieu map and so constitute a 'historic landscape', providing a perpetual opportunity to observe the European settlement impact on the environment over a long period of time. The land in this area was one of the first to be cleared but later reverted to bush again. The area was again cleared when Langley House was built, evidence of recent clearing may be seen in the Fox and Kerry photographs. The bank areas between the Langley

Page 45: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

-------------------------:---~-~-. •

' . •

• • •

• •

~ . ._,

I Stinson Copyright, Point Clare North. Gosford .library. Shows the whar:f (bathitig l shed?) and Langley House to the left. To the nght are the two houses m Welwyn •

'Grove; the house to the left still survives but is obscured in this photograph. The· shore is hardly recognizable because of the present day road and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol. The baths in the foreground appear to be aligned with H Welwyn Street. The shores are now dominated by Casuarina and some Mangroves.:[ Perhaps one or two Euclypts may have survived from this period. )

-------------~----~-------------------~---------~-----~·

. ' '

! '

_, __ .- .7·.--, -- •.

• • •

- --~-·- ------~--_...__ ___ - -------•

Page 46: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

House site and the water again reverted to bush from about the 1920s, as little attempt was done to landscape the grounds (apart from some limited fruit tree propagation). ,

The contours recorded in 1841 have changed little, particularly the indication of the banks, including the 'cove', marked 'Swampoaks'. Erosion has made its mark particularly where there were access tracks to the area above the banks. Several recent ones have resulted in considerable erosion.

Given time, the land can heal these breaches as evidenced where the driveway from the wharf led to the house. Early photographs show the driveway to the house to be a major feature and while there is evidence of serious erosion where it was located, the area is now clothed in largely native growth. The driveway site is now a steep narrow track barely noticeable from the road. ·

A 'bite' out of the bank can be seen just to the north of the former driveway. A part of this 'bite' can be seen in the Fox and Kerry photographs as a degraded unstable area. It is almost certain that the 'bite' was the result of quarrying fill and rubble for the wharf. The fill of the wharf would have washed out from time to time (almost totally absent at present) and fill must have been quarried here on a fairly regular basis up to about 1915-1920. The area is now again covered in native vegetation.

During the mid to late 1960s (early 1970s ?) fill was dumped along the shore to the south of the wharf, forming the present road and raised 'cove' area. The depth of this fill appears to be over a metre in places.

The land above the bank used to slope up to the height of Jindalee Avenue. The gap caused by the railway construction was excavated around 1887-1889 and widened in 1909/1910, creating a virtual island of the study area ... •_not so obvious since the creation of the south access road.

The area around Langley House has been exposed to the elements for most of this century being largely barren of binding grass and herbs. The thin layer of original top soil was probably lost soon after the initial clearing. The slope (sloping northward) is gradual, so the loss probably hasn't been much more than ten centimetres this century. There has been some soil build-up at the northern end of the site, along the perimeters of the bank and where grasses etc., have been successful (west half of house site and surrounding area for example).

8. Langley House.

What little documentation we have of this house is covered in the phasing •

section. In conclusion, it appears to have been built in the years soon after

Page 47: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

1901. The style of the house, judging by the photographic evidence, is typical for the period from the 1890s to about 1914 (World War I). The mid location of the chimney shows that it was not the traditional form of domestic house with a central corridor and flanking rooms. The three french doors, centrally placed, are also an unusual, perhaps 'modern', feature. The house was timber framed and clad in weatherboards. The lack of flamboyant verandah post brackets and railing panels suggest the reaction against the decorative excesses of the late 1800s. The verandah was supported on brick piers but the arrangement of the footings under the house can only be guessed at from the remaining evidence. The roof was evidently timber framed and clad in corrugated galvanized iron sheeting (no shingle nails found on site).

After the house burned down, the site was cleared of above-ground rubble. Small fragments of the house do survive scattered about the site. The lead washers confirm the nature of the roof cladding. Bricks, some evidently from pier footings, are machine made dry-press types typical of the post-1880s and of a type common from the 18 90s onward. Well preserved nails are not common on the site but all represent nails typical for the 1890s to 1930s period. Lead flashing fragments were found, all samples seen are of the thinner, more refined leads common within the last 100 years or so. Fragments of window glass were found, all being manufactured by machine processes. Diagnostic of the 1890s to the World War I period were fragments of patterned window glass for decorative glass panels in front doors, possibly

. .

from the French doors seen in the photographs. These were found near where the front verandah steps used to be. The pattern seems to have been frosted or painted on (white) with highlights in amber (applied onto the glass during manufacture). Cement was used for paving and drainage but most examples found date to later phases of the house. A concrete surface paving made with brick and stone rubble (instead of blue metal) may date to the construction period of the house. The stone found relating to the foundations of the house contained no cement or concrete, except where the stone lined a concreted area .

What is not found on a house site is also very important. No early shell mortars or even early rock lime mortars were found. No pre-1880s bricks or nails were found on site.

Domestic ceramics and glass fragments found around a house site can give an indication of the period of occupation. The ceramics and glass found ranged overwhelmingly from the 1890s to 1940s. A few fragments seemed of an older date but these may have been 'second hand' or 'heirloom' items used on site. There is also the possibility that some of the fragments may have dated from the period of the hut shown in the Belle Vieu map or be the result of picnics or short-term encampments on the site before Langley House was built. A domestic dump appears to have existed on the east end

Page 48: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

of the ,site. There is burned material here but more the result of an incinerator, several cans having been crushed before burning.

Burned objects near the house site represent material that was in the house when it burned down, these included lumps of melted lead, aluminium, amber beer bottle glass, white glass ('Ponds' cream type milk glass). Ceramics often turn greyish and the glaze crazes in extreme heat fires - such were also found. The overall impression gained was a date around the 1940s or early 1950s.

Later unburned glass is to be seen on the site from picnic and other contemporary activities. The open areas are kept clean but modern rubbish is evident in the bush areas but not excessively: plastic bags, wrappers, bottles, cans, even home-made bongs and one 'safety box' of needles was noted.

9. Langley House Outbuildings.

a. A structure to the north-west of the house was built, possibly by the 1940s as extra accommodation or as showers and toilet facilities. This seems to be the structure that is seen in the 1954 arid 1957 aerial photographs and the 1964 cadastral map, although there may have been more than one structure there originally, or a series of structures (note 1928 sales advertisement). The remains found in the vicinity suggest that the structure was largely built of fibro sheeting. Some stones and fragments of a thin concrete floor survive in situ.

b. A surface drain built to the back of Largely House possibly during the 1940s. The drain is mainly of cement and rubble but brick is evident at both ends. The north side ends in a shallow sink with a small round cast­iron grill over submerged piping of some sort leading eastwards toward the bank. This drain feature is difficult to interpret: it may have been constructed to catch surface rainwater or may even have been part of a shower block. Other surviving features are obscured by grass.

c. The Fox and Kerry (ca 1910) photographs indicate a small structure to the southwest of the house, most likely a long-drop privy. There is little in that area now to suggest its former presence (obscured by grass but no dip in the ground). The material along the west lane belongs to a much more recent period.

d. The Kerry photograph shows a rough structure, possibly with a single slope roof. Magnification seemed to show rafters covered with vines of some sort. The sides may have been weatherboarded and the roof clad with corrugated iron sheets. Though unclear, there may have been wide doors on the east side, suggesting a shed or, more likely, stables for horses and/ or

Page 49: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

carriages. No obvious evidence of the structure was noted on the ground.

e. There may have been other structures behind the house at various times but the surface area is obscured by grass and low sedges. The 1927 advertisement mentions a 'good detached building 15ft x 20ft; outhouses'. The rectangle of stone (with cement infill) may have been the remains of a detached kitchen or otherwise may have been part of a mid wing to the main house, forming a 'T' house plan. Archaeological excavation may resolve questions such as this.

10. Rectangular Structure South of Wharf

The 1964 cadastral map shows a rectangular structure to the south of the wharf and baths, in the 'cove' area. A photograph (Joan Dent?, fleetingly seen) seemed to show a structure in that area. It is possible that the structure was built, some time after the destruction of Langley House, to serve as dressing sheds and toilets associated with the baths. Close to the site is a firehydrant (or hydrant of sorts). Not far from the hydrant (but not obviously connected with it) is a partly exposed copper pipe heading in the direction of where the structure seemed to be.

11. Baths •

. These were located directly on the south side of the wharf. The earliest view or record of them appears in the 1915-1920 Langley House View. Views of Langley House taken from the wharf, dating some years earlier (ca 1910), do not show the area of the baths, so it is likely that they did not exist at the time. The baths survived into the 1950s, as seen on aerial photographs, and possibly into the mid 1960s, as they are shown on the 1964 cadastral plan. Public maps continued to show the baths into the late 1970s but these maps may have followed earlier sources. The massive sea wall preserves the width of the baths and existed by the early 1950s. Three phases were noted in this seawall (original construction in segments, capping and modifications to the south side, and repairs made in 1987). The concrete stairs seen at the north end appear. , to relate· to the wharf but has been dislodged.

12. Great Western Railway

The massive excavation for a single track railway took place between 1887 and 1889. Another track was added around 1910 for which the area may have been widened further.

13. Subdivision Laneway

Page 50: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

The drive seen along the railway boundary fence was conceived on paper as a result of the 1901/1902 survey and subdivision. It was intended as an access lane to lots 1 to 10. Since the lots were never developed, the lane did not exist in actuality until fairly recent decades, as indicated by a number of large Casuarinas growing on the projected path of the lapeway. It is not obvious on 1950s aerial photographs, the curved track to the house site being a little further eastward. See item 20 for the extension of this Janeway.

14. Drive from the Wharf to Langley House

The three early photographs of Langley House show this drive to be wide enough to allow the passage of a cart. The west side of the drive is lined casually with a few stones but the east side was built up by large blocks of stones, in places built to a maximum of three courses. The stones appear to have been quarried from the water edge nearby.

The drive very likely predates Langley House and may be contemporary with Fagan's fenced enclosures because of the way the fence is deflected at this point. See the second last paragraph under item 2.

The drive is now barely evident from the roadway, being covered by vegetation. It is now represented by a narrow track in the centre of the eroded remains of the drive. Two minor stones are still in situ along the east side (upper mid and top). Two or three large stones may have survived on the west side but not necessarily in the positions as shown in the early photographs. The erosion of this drive since about 1920 has resulted in the dislodgement of the stones; some were relocated else where (two appear on one side of a tree, close by, next to the present road), others may have ended along the road but later covered with fill when the road was created or raised.

14a These are stones which were probably once part of the drive but reused for other purposes.

15. Broadwater Road, South of the Wharf

This road dates after 1964 and was created by the dumping of sandy soil and rock rubble. Previously, the water must have covered much of the area of this road during high tide.

16. Broadwater Road, North of the Wharf

Page 51: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

-- -- --------------------------------------~

This road dates after 1964 and was created by the dumping of sandy soil and rock rubble. The Fox and Kerry photographs show a narrow beach where the fill for the present road is now. There may have been a narrow road or track hugging the edge of the bank, subject to flooding at times. Part of Fagan's post and rail fence was located along the west side of the present road. -

17. Road between Item 16 and the Railway Crossing

This short road between the railway crossing gates and Brisbane Water marks, in part, the Fagan p6st and rail fence which was approximately on the south side of the road. It is also a remnant of what was projected to be in 1841 the east end of Holden Road. It is not the logical extension of the present Welwyn Road (note that these roads do not align). It does follow the line of the 1841 projected Holden Road. Though Holden Road may never have been marked out as such, it does suggest that there was a track along this fence line by 1841, (the area to the north being too low and swampy for cart or carriage access).

18. Eroded Tracks in the Cove Area

There are three eroded tracks in the cove area. These are difficult to date but the one closest to the hut may be of early origin and is certainly the most eroded (in fact to such an extent that it barely appears as having been a road). One of the two roads nearby to the north may have been created within the last 30 years, the other may have related to the Langley House phase as an alternative track to the water.

19. Langley House Drive

Evidence of the main drive from the railway crossing to Langley House are clearly seen on the 1950s aerial photographs. Remains may still to be traced on the ground today, in fact as the alternative route into the north side of the park area, as shown on the site plan.

20. Tracks and Drives near the Langley House Site (See site plan)

a. A fairly recent entry, very curved, from the road at the north-east corner ofthe reserve.

b. A minor drive to the south of the house site

Page 52: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

----------- -----

c. The extension of the Subdivision Lane (item 13). The road carries on a little further south and then narrows into a well defined walking track right next to the railway boundary fence. This track is well used by local residents.

d. Several tracks are found between the Broadwater roadway to the park area above. Some are favoured by trailbike riders.

21. Railway Crossing

This was established between 1887 and 1889 as the only access route to the study area. Aerial photographs of the 1950s show three well worn tracks leading from it: one straight ahead toward the water but then veering toward the wharf and baths; one leading to the site of Langley House and the other northwards through the area of the present Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (then not established there).

2 2. · Depression

This is located at the north end of the study site near the bend of track 20a. It may represent a privy pit, rubbish pit or just a pit created by the roots of a large fallen tree.

23. Rubbish Deposit

This is located just above the curve of the road at the north-east of the study area. The material here belongs to the Langley House phases, mainly domestic material such as glass and ceramics.

24. Survey Marks

Survey marks were often placed on trees or stumps, several are noted on the 1841 Belle Vieu map.

Only one old style survey mark was found during the study period of this report, located at the south end of the site between the road and the water, as illustrated on the site plan. The survey mark was applied by fine axing to remove the bark (the fine axe marks are still to be seen but with evidence of the bark regrowing over the wound when the tree was still alive). A triangle was cut with a sharp instrument. Above the triangle was a letter, the base of which resembles a 'B' but could stand for a number of letters, depending on the size of the original letter. The tree eventually died and the top was sawn off, removing the upper part of the letter. A bolt was placed in the centre of

Page 53: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

the triangle, seemingly at a later date.

25. Sandstone Block Formations

In several locations along the water at low tide a number of flat stone outcrops are to be seen. These were formed in two stages: by sedimentation and later by some form of igneous metamorphosis which resulted in the stone block appearance of the rocks. Rocks of this sort were used in the construction of the wharf, the edge along the drive from the wharf and at the Langley House site. A similar rock outcrop was noted, on the 1841 Belle Vieu map, to the north of the wharf, labelled 'Flatrocks'.

'

26. Remnant Flora and Fauna

The chief areas are along the bank extending the full length of the reserve and the treed areas to the north and south of the Langley House site. See flora and fauna.

It is important to preserve the existing areas and even to extend them them in some key areas.

--"~ ... -.

.... ·-----·- - -·· -- ... ·--·----- ---

Page 54: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---
Page 55: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

FLORA AND FAUNA

The flora and fauna of the reserve would be classified as secondary, or regrowth, forest. The reserve was cleared at least once and the area around Langley House at least twice. Not all the trees were destroyed during the clearing phases. After the first clearing, recolonization was possible from all directions. After the area was cut off by the railway (1887-1889) recolonization occurred mainly from the banks to the south of the house site. Recolonization was also possible through bird droppings, the wind and by seeding from the surviving trees.

Although some timber fetching may have taken place before 1830, the first recorded clearing took place on Fagan's grant in 1830 and continued for at least eight years. The study area was probably cleared by the early to mid 1830s when it was enclosed by a post and rail fence, as seen in the 1841 Belle Vieu map.

Three types of trees were recorded as growing there in 1841, all of which still grow on site: Woollybuts, Swampoaks and Mangroves (the latter nearby). The Woollybuts may not be of the type as known by this name today. The principal gums appear to be Eucalyptus pilularis and Eucalyptus sideroxylon (need confirmation). The Swampoaks are undoubtedly Sheoakes ( Casuarina glauca). The· mangroves are Aegiceras corniculatum.

No studies have been made on the flora and fauna of the area but a few observations will be presented here. The purity of the remnant forest increases from north to south. The dominating native trees consist of several species of Eucalyptus, one species of Casuarina, Mangrove and Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera). Native grasses and sedges are well represented, including Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis). Creepers are well represented., such as Clematis glycinoides.

Native species noted include:

Adiantum aethiopicum (native Maiden Hair). Platycerium bifurcatum (Elkhorn- one juvenile noticed). Doodia sp Cassytha sp Clematis glycinoides. Tetragonia tetragonioides (New Zealand Spinach). Pittosporum undulatum. Acacia ulicifolia (Prickly Moses). Glycine clandestina. Exocarpos sp (cupressiformis?). Gymnostachys anceps (Settlers Flax). Xanthorrhoea sp (low growing form of ~Blackboy'- not in flower).

Page 56: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Eustrephus latifolius (Wombat Berry). Geitonoplesium cymosum. Dioscorea transvera (Native Yam). Oxylobium ilicifolium (Native Holly). Dianella Caerulea. Dianella Laevis.

A stand of Melaleuca styphelioides was noted growing near the creek to the south, just outside of the reserve.

The fauna is fairly impoverished but birds are well represented. Two medium sized species of native snail were noted, including Meridolum

' corneovirens. Native ant species are still common, or example, Meat Ants, Hopping Ants, Golden Bum Ants. Blue-tongue lizards and skinks are in evidence.

The most pervasive weeds are Lantana (Lantana camara), Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) and Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum). The latter is beginning to take over areas where the soil is richer or has been introduced as fill and may eventually alter the nature of the area as it crowds out all other plant species. A number of other bad weed species may also take a hold such as Privet (Ligustrum sp) and Black Berry (Rubus fruiticosus), of the latter only a few small specimens were noted).

Rabbits are abundant, judging by the many holes and droppings.

It is known that fruit trees were grown in the area, probably at the north end of the site. Garden relics in native regrowth areas along the bank include:

-Asparagus weeds (Asparagus densiflorus). Scattered over a wide area. Much less common was Myrsiphyllum (or Asparagus) asparagoides. - A succulent with fine flower sprays. Confined to the north end of the reserve. Not the usual Kalanchoe. •

-Wild Olive (Olea africana). Mainly scattered juveniles. - Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana). A few specimens growing in the central part of the reserve. - Oxalis (Oxalis purpurea). This ornamental Oxalis is confined to a small area above the old drive from the wharf to Langley House). - Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia). Mid site mainly near the railway boundary near the site of the house. - Crucifix Orchid (Epidendrum ibaguense). Confined to the edges of the 'cove' area near item 10. -Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum). Seems to be confined to the north end of the site along with the succulent and the 'ornamental' oxalis. - Myrtle-leaf Milkwort (Polygala myrtifolia). This plant is often taken as a native but actually originates from South Africa. This plant is abundant

Page 57: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

only in the area to have been cleared twice in the past, from the cove area northwards. The plant harmonizes with the the native plants and should not be removed from the area of its present distribution. However, it should not be encouraged south of this area. -Freesias (Freesia refracta) are thinly scattered over the study site but these probably originated from the other side of the railway boundary.

A number of the above have naturalised themselves harmoniously with the native regrowth and commemorate the former garden of Langley House but there are others that should be removed.

Weeds that should be removed, while they are manageable, are: Kikuyu Grass, Pampus Grass, Lantana, Camphor laurel, Privet, Black Berry and Madeira Vine. Other weeds should be monitored from year to year.

Local projects could be encouraged to compile lists of the native and introduced flora and fauna. The site has interesting potential as a well documented native regrowth study site because of its isolation.

The grassed areas are regularly cut. There was a recent attempt at bush regeneration, judging by the piles of uprooted Lantana at the south end of the site. A number of dead trees require attention (after assessment as animal habitat) .

Page 58: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

VISITOR TRENDS AND IMPACT

VISITOR TRENDS .

For park management plans surveys are often conducted to gauge visitor numbers and vehicular use so that the impact on the qualities of the park and park facilities can be assessed and plans formulated for the future.

Based on about fifteen site visits to Goodaywang Reserve, over the space of two years, it is clear that the reserve is under-utilized. On average the site might receive 25 visitors per day with peak periods in the early morning, lunch and later afternoon. About half the visitors confine themselves to the road along Brisbane Water and the wharf area: such visitors park near the wharf and walk about on foot Sometimes at lunch time, one or two cars drive to the actual park area (on the rise above the bank) and the occupants generally remain in the car but occasionally use the bench tables. Picnics are fairly rare but are probably most frequent on the weekends or late evenings. Some locals use the area for morning or late afternoon walks.

It is rare to see more than two or three vehicles parked in the reserve at the same time. One can be at the reserve without seeing a visitor for an hour or two at_ a time.

The bulk of cars that drive through the area are actually in connection with the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol. Some of the staff and trainees connected with the latter walk from Point Clare railway station but most come and go by car.

There is also a rogue element that visits the reserve, evidently to have a few drinks and 'do wheelies'. The force of the vehicles turning circles churns up the surface and dislodges stones and artefacts from the Langley House site. This must be a frequent activity because fresh tire tracks are to be seen upon almost every site visit. The damage to the archaeological remains through this activity was noted in the March 26, 1998 report.

The primary reason for the paucity of visitors is largely due to the isolated character of the reserve. The only access by vehicle or on foot is from the south, either by the road or the track along the railway boundary. The access from the railway crossing (Welwyn Grove) has been closed for many years. Few living in the local area appear to know about the reserve. The reserve is not used by any of the local schools or community groups. In former times the principal attraction to the site were the swimming baths.

In summary the reserve is mainly used for walking, resting, the occasional picnic and some fishing.

PRESENT AND PAST FACILITIES

Formerly the swimming baths attracted visitors to the site. There is some evidence that there were facilities such as toilets or dressing sheds . •

At present the only facilities are two timber bench tables. There are no bins or toilet facilities. The grass is mowed regularly and rubbish left near the tables after a picnic is usually cleared within a few days. The current visitor numbers make the present facilities seem quite adequate.

. .. __________________ ___j

Page 59: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

•so • • • • •

®. •

' • ' •

• •

• • -· ~~··-• C)

""40 .. • • Ill .. "' • • • • • •

-...... $TII .. I" - w .......

' • '

• ~~:':::::::;::::::::;:::::::;~ ~ ~!:'·~~

. ~ ~~': ~-----.. ~-------~-t~:------=:~

J-Oe..:. no'-~

SCHEMATIC SITE MAP- With Item Numbers for Site Features •

0

0

•.

0 0

I r I

I '

0

Q

® •

f@ ~~ ' ~

I U.wo::~.,. .,

liJ • ' ' '

,, •• • I

' ,,

I

' • \ :!,";~'"~"' . 0

~

~ • 0 0

• •

/ •

••

0

15

0

' . • 0

0

0 0

• -0

0

I --'-~-

® [i·

I

Page 60: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

PRESERVATION I CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS •

The nature of Goodaywang Reserve and the historical and archaeological features contained within the reserve require active measures of protection. A list of features has been made so that the sites may be accounted for and monitored from time to time. Most of these features are not in any danger as long as the status quo is maintained. Some features are in constant danger of damage or destruction, such as the footings of Langley House and outbuildings.

The following recommendations , are provided according to the site inventory numbers:

1. Goodaywang Wharf

There is considerable evidence of water-edge erosion, for example along the full length of the east side of the Broadwater edge road (note tree roots); and the concrete stairs on the north side of the wharf. Since about 1920, the entire fill of the wharf has been washed out (compare the present with the early photographs available of the wharf). A close examination of the wharf shows that a number of very large stones have been shifted over the years.

The wharf should be monitored yearly for signs of damage by weathering or human use, perhaps by members of the Environmental Heritage Committee.

One way of preserving the wharf remains would be to return the fill within the two lines of remaining stones (without totally obscuring or altering the stones in any way). This option would require a Section 140 Application from the Heritage Council of New South Wales. There would have to be debate regarding issues of what materials to use and whether the change to the appearance of the wharf is desirable.

2. Split Rail, Post and Rail Fence 1.

The remains of the post holes should survive underground. No excavation should take place in the vicinity of the line of this fence. However, there are two options as to the exact location of the fence. Future excavation or research may resolve the problem concerning the exact location.

3. Split Rail, Post and Rail Fence 2.

The remains of the post holes should survive underground. No excavation should take place in the vicinity of the line of this fence. The fill deposited to create the road means that any remains are possibly at least 300mm below the present surface.

4. Split Rail, Post and Rail Fence 3.

Page 61: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

The remains of the post holes should survive underground. No excavation should take place in the vicinity of the line of this fence.

5. Split Rail, Post and Rail Fence 4.

The remains of the post holes should survive underground. No excavation should take place in the vicinity of the line of this fence. The location of this fence is indicated approximately on the site plan but may be firmly established as the south boundary of the Fagan grant is well known.

6. Hut Site.

There are signs of gradual erosion over and around the stone remains. The area surrounding the remains should be discretely conserved to prevent further erosion from water run-off and damage by vehicles. Nearby bush remnants should be extended over this area.

7. Site Contours

These areas should be maintained largely as 'status quo', except for sensitive bush regeneration and minor and unnecessary tracks to be obscured and treated for erosion along the lines of National Parks and Wildlife Service principles. Untreated logs along the sensitive areas should discourage four­wheel drives and trail bikes. Non-aggressive garden escapes should be permitted to co-exist with native plants north of the wharf. See item 18 .

8. Langley House.

The chief agent of destruction is at present cars being driven over the site, the greatest damage being done by those 'doing wheelies'. Considerable damage has been done since March 1998. The protection of this site should be twofold:

1. By the restriction of car access over this and the following sites (item 9 a­e). A proposal is suggested, further on, to restrict cars to certain areas by using logs (low impact proposal). 2. By anti erosion measures. This may be achieved by surrounding the house area with a series of dressed logs tracing the outside of the Langley House outline. The area inside the log outline should be dressed with a liberal deposit of sandy soil of the same nature as existing on site (100mm), particularly on the barren eroded east half of the site.

9. Langley House Outbuildings, a- e

Most of this area is fairly well grassed. The area should receive a dressing of

Page 62: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

sandy soil of the same nature as existing on site (about 20mm).

Cars should be discouraged from driving over this site by the general plan suggested under the map entitled lRecommended Areas for Future Facilities'.

10. Rectangular Structure South of Wharf (Cove Area)

This is not of particular significance as it dates from the construction of the nearby road.

The site is suitable for the construction of facilities such as public toilets. The ground level of this site was considerably raised at the time of the construction of the road. Excavation deeper than 300mm should be assessed by a qualified archaeologist and may require a Section 140 Application from the Heritage Council of New South Wales.

11. Baths

Very little remains of the former baths but the width is commemorated by the concrete sea wall. There should be. no plan to remove the wall as it is now part of the historical development of the site. The baths have very evidently silted, possibly made worse as a result of the fill material under the road eroding into the water. Any future attempt to de-silt the bathing area must take into account the very real danger it could pose to the remains of the wharf. The former depths of the baths are not recorded and material might be removed that always existed there.

12. Great Western Railway

Not applicable, being outside the reserve.

13. Subdivision Laneway

This is a modern site feature that doesn't strictly conform to the dimensions of past surveys. It has become an important access route that should remain as such for maintenance purposes.

14. Drive from the Wharf to Langley House

This now has little resemblance to its historical appearance (see historic photographs). Too much would be damaged (remaining stones and bush regeneration) in any attempt to restore the track as a drive.

Erosion measures are required and may be suitable for rustic steps that double as erosion control (National Parks and Wildlife Service style). Care must be taken not to dislodge any remaining curb stones.

Page 63: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

14a These are stones which were probably once part of the drive but reused for other purposes.

These should be left in situ . •

15. Broadwater Road, South of the Wharf

A recent site feature. The east, or water, side will in years to come require anti-erosion measures. The fill in places is more than a metre thick. Maintenance as required, without disturbing the natural environment. The survey stump (item 24) should not be removed or damaged.

The area between the road and the native bush should be given over to bush regeneration to bolster the remnant bush of the bank, otherwise the area will be taken over by Kikuyu grass and the character of the reserve altered.

16. Broadwater Road, North of the Wharf \

A recent site feature. There is little erosion here except near the wharf. Maintenance as required.

17. Road between I tern 16 and the Railway Crossing •

The alignment of this road should not be altered as it preserves the line of the 1830s fence and the projected Holden Street of 1841.

18. Eroded Tracks in the Cove Area

One of these should be converted into a walking track with appropriate anti-erosion measures, as recommended under item 14. The others should be closed' to all foot traffic, treated for erosion and allow bush regeneration.

19. Langley House Drive

This road should should not be obscured because it was the formal entrance to Langley House. Measures should be introduced to discourage speeding

\ and wheelies. •

20. Tracks and Drives near the Langley House Site (See site plan).

Most of these have been formed over the last few decades and need no further attention except where there are obvious signs of erosion.

a. A fairly recent drive at the north-east corner of the reserve, formed by

Page 64: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

----------·--------

vehicles taking a short-cut into the park area.

This road should be cut off by the laying of logs across the entrance. The erosion caused by vehicular use should be corrected by the judicious placement of logs and dressing with soil of a similar nature as the existing soil. The area would be suitable for bush regeneration.

b. A minor drive to the south of the house site

Of no particular significance.

c. The extension of the Subdivision Lane (item 13).

The edges of this road should be lined with logs to discourage vehicles from . .

straying off it.

d. Several tracks are found between the Broadwater roadway to the park area above. Some are favoured by trailbike riders.

All but those with a star next to it (see site map) should be obscured and treated for erosion (National Parks and Wildlife Service style).

21. Railway Crossing

'

Ideally a foot bridge crossing should be established here. This was the original access point to the site but the trains became too frequent for a level crossing. At present, that part of Point Clare has no access at all to the reserve area.

22. Depression

This site should be left in its present state. In a future probe of the house site, a test square should be excavated to determine the· nature of the depression

23. Rubbish Deposit

The extent and depth of this deposit is not known but rabbits regularly throw fresh material to the surface. The surface should receive a thick dressing of sandy soil, similar to the nature of the present soil. This area would be suitable for bush regeneration The nearby steeper edges may require some temporary erosion measures .

24. Survey Mark Maintain as existing. The stump needs monitoring because the. east side is begin:qing to erode out of the bank.

Page 65: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--- ---- -- --- --- -----------------------~-----------

25. Sandstone Block Formations

No action required

26. Remnant Flora and Fauna

Maintain as existing. Groups of trees at the mid and south ends of the site suggest that these areas were subject to natural bush regeneration within the the last fifty years or so. These areas might be set aside for bush regeneration. Weeds, as listed in the Flora and Fauna section should be controlled from time to time. -The process could be enhanced by the planting of native trees and shrubs of local stock (not ornamental nursery natives). The plants should be suitable for very poor soils. Care must be taken not to dig holes over archaeological remains listed in the inventory of sites.

The bare areas between the south end of the Broadwater road (see item 15) and the bank should be subject to intense bush regeneration. This is to bolster the remnant native bush before the area is taken over by Kikuyu grass and become yet another 'suburban' grass verge, altering the nature of the reserve.

The areas of remnant native bush are shaded on the site map, showing those areas recommended to be subject to active bush regeneration.

Page 66: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

,. •

SITE INTERPRETATION

In this report the site phasing and inventory of site features provide the parts of the whole, which is Goodaywang Reserve - a historic and archaeological site.

The Preservation Recommendations provide guidelines on how to preserve the historic and archaeological resource, this section provides a number of alternatives to the site interpretation for the public that use the reserve.

Goodaywang Reserve and related sites on the former Fagan grant provide a microcosm of the early history of the Brisbane Water area and the Central Coast in general. The other Fagan sites have been obscured or destroyed by housing developments, making the reserve an ideal vehicle for the understanding of the historical development of Brisbane Water. The local community and schools should be encouraged to explore the themes identified in the the following or uncover additional themes.

INTERPRETATION THEvlES

Broad themes related to the Brisbane Water historical development, directly applicable to the reserve site and the Fagan Grant include: Aboriginal occupation, European exploration, the convict indenture system, timber getting, agriculture, grazing, early systems of transport, commerce with areas outside the . district, boat building, shell gathering for lime . production, urbanization, the impact of the railway, tourist and recreation:

1. Aboriginal occupation. Language and place names, hunting, shellfish gathering, bushtucker, the 'contact' period (when living side by side with the first Europeans), post-Contact events and the present. 2. Exploration as a forerunner to settlement. 3. The early system of settlement by grants. Fagan having one of the earlier grants of the district. 4. The role played by 'government servants' - convicts assigned to grant holders. A parallel with the use of slaves in other countries to develop the land. Local parallels on a larger scale being Wyoming. 5. Timber getting. Involves the cutting and sale of timber in a number of ways: timber for construction purposes, for boat building, for fencing; shingle and log splitting (anecdote of William Boyd being caught splitting timber on the Roberts grant directly to the south of the reserve site around 1843; memory of C. C. Fagan of shingles being seized). Timber being an important produce regionally even in the 1880s. 6. Land clearing for cultivation and the running of stock. This is well documented on the Fagan grant. Fencing as an important process in the subjugation of the land as evidenced from the remarkable memory of the

Page 67: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Fagan's and others of when fences were put up (wouldn't be remembered unless these were significant milestones in property development). 7. Early water transportation as evidenced from Goodaywang wharf, this having open.ed up Brisbane Water to settlement. 8. Early commercial trade with Sydney, as incidentally recorded because of boating disasters Fagan experienced in 1836 and 1838. 9. Early development of ship building at Brisbane Water. Fagan's 1836 boat was one of many built locally. 10. Lime industry. Shell deposits were carefully plotted on the 1841 Belle View map, including deposits just north of the site near the point and a structure there described as a forge but most likely a lime kiln (this could be made an interesting point of debate). · 11. The early history of urbanization and town planning on the Central Coast. The Fagan grant being subdivided into streets and blocks in 1841 but an early example of a failed enterprise due to the wider economic circumstances, namely, the early 1840s depression. 12. The railway as opening up the area for the modern development of the area, on analogy with other such schemes as the opening of the 'West' in the U.S.A. 13. Tourism and recreation with the establishment of many guesthouses on the Central Coast. Langley House and the house in Welwyn Grove being examples.

The above themes are all implied in the history of the reserve site. However, · the reserve is not a museum but needs to have the basics of it's development available on site in an easily digestible form, particularly to allow the visitor be able to make sense of the features on site .

Page 68: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--~----------------------.,---.....,..----- ----------------

SIGNAGE Signage should be as non-intrusive as possible. Illustrated signage should be made as vandal-proof and weather-proof as possible because the site is so isolated. For example, illustrated signage should be engraved in metal and set on solid concrete stands, slightly recessed. The metal should be able to withstand rain and salt water spray.

The following should be regarded as guidelines only and may be implemented as necessary and when funds become available:

1. Sign at the entrance of the reserve with the name and perhaps the words conveying 'Protected Site'. It is a dangerous spot to have a detailed sign, so the sign should be kept as simple as possible. Timber sign attached to low posts.

2. Sign with the name of the reserve with a notice of the nature of the reserve with a friendly warning that it is a protected site, destruction to the bush and historic remains will be prosecuted .

3. Signs will be unnecessary for the early site features if there is one central site map. Direct signage for sensitive features, such as the hut site, might encourage the over-curious to dig about. The map could be located in the 'cove' area as there is room for parking. The basis for the map could be the 1841 Belle Vieu map. A brief history of the site could be presented to one side of the map.

4. Illustrated signage would best be displayed close to the area being depicted. Two are recommended:

a. The 1915-1920 Langley House (Broadhurst Collection) view showing the baths and the house in the distance. This should be located near the wharf or the concrete sea wall, away from the road. This ideal location should be balanced with the fact that the area is inundated from time to time. Another location could be under the trees on the opposite of the road, a little distance from the map sign.

b. The Fox or the Kerry photograph, dated around 1910, showing the wharf, the ramp drive and the house. The view of the house is quite detailed so it may be suitable to locate it in front of the site of the house.

Recommended locations are indicated on the 'Future Facilities' and Signage map.

The wording on the illustrated signage should be kept to a minimum. See the following suggested examples.

-------...

Page 69: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

·~ . ... .. • II:YMONT . ICIN•YII:E

HULETT .. ~., .... ,~

I SOUU lll£ IICliiiiGIOI IIW lOll

IIS!IIlll 1!1: lOll lH llll III: lOll lit IIOl

(Oflt"ll U&IIC1Jif lllrtln If TIIS OffiCL nT ttsuml(ns" n unnte 11 na: emu fH

11m11not lllfl "Ht<lltf~ riCUit ttliiUttt ll U nn 'I ttfffiiiU It $CUIIC nu tuwn;s,

[67,,

SIGN PAR~

"" to Bf AO\IIS£0

-

~-7-.r--t---- (N,DUI<.AIIU' VANDAL.. !"ROOF

PA ... EL

C.O NC~T'( .S~T" WELL. INTO "l"HE .. ~OUto.ID •

I

-~· ~,~----------------1.~--:----------

,_, ___ -------------~

Page 70: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

~~.o;----~ ------~-- • ·-- ----- ----- ~~- <- -

_t ~~

! '. I • •

. '

\

.

.

• I• •

• • •

• •

• •

• • ' • •

Page 71: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

,.. .... .- ,.s ~ -~ ... <I!!' '"' ~- -..... ,.._. '

'

.. .. . .. ~ -- .... _~ ... ....::.... . ..~.~-.. . ~ ..... --- .,._. ._ .. - .... ,. ... _., -~. 'V"'''~: ·-

.. • ... ;o; • , ..- ~

k--;=~~~:::::::=;=:::;:;::::~====;=:;:;:~~- -·. of:"~ - .. ---

Theca f915-1920 Langley House Photograph (Broadhurst Collection). This would be a suitable photograph to be. displayed near the sea wall or across the road from it. A short history of the house would be appropriate at the base of the Pho!og~p:::..::h=.:·------------~

Fox photograph of about 1910 showing langley House from the wharf. This would be suitable to be shown in front of the site of . Langley House as it is the most detailed of the : house photographs. A short history of the : house would be appropriate at the base of the d Photo,..,.."'

. i

The Kerry photograph of about 1 · 10 showing/j Langley House from the wharf. This photograph 1 depicts a broader view but is slightly blurred.'-

----~- - -~~ -- _....__~-=, --o~-·

'

Page 72: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR FUTURE FACILITIES

The purpose of this section is the protection of the archaeological remains and remnant forest and regrowth forest relating to the historic development of the site.

The site may not at present warrant the usual facilities of a park or reserve, the visitor numbers being so low. These are guidelines for the locations for future facilities so that there will be minimal impact on significant vistas, natural features and the archaeology of the site.

PUBLIC TOILETS

This should be located in the cove in the vicinity of item 10. The deep fill in this area should be sufficient to protect any unrecorded archaeological feature. The structure should be kept back from the road and the impact softened by the planting of native species. If the excavations for the structure is to be deeper than SOOmm, a Section 140 should be sought from the Heritage Council of New South Wales.86

PARKING

The park area has a very low visitation rate, so the parking facilities should be kept as casual as possible.

At present people park where they wish. The greatest damage to the site is done by cars 'doing wheelies' and by trail bike riders deepening and widening existing eroded tracks. Since beginning this section of the report a new track has been made next to an older one by trail bike riders and one of the broad tracks in the cove area has been ripped up, dislodging medium sized stones and a considerable amount of earth. The barrier in the middle of one of these broad tracks at the cove area has resulted in trail bikes making tracks to both sides of the barrier, extending the track even further.

It is proposed that parking and the protection of sensitive sites may best be regulated by delineating areas by the placing of rustic logs (undressed tree trunks of similar dimensions as telegraph poles). Three areas are suggested for the park above the bank (note the shaded areas in the map). Although it would involve a large number of logs, it would save having to delineate a series of small and large areas around archaeological and flora and fauna sites. Logs obviate the need for fences and need a minimum amount of maintenance.

The areas where parking is permitted should be provided with some posts or lengths of log, just sufficient to discourage wheelies.

Logs should also be used to line the base of the bank area to discourage trail bike riders, particularly in those areas where there are existing tracks or open patches.

A less expensive option might be to disallow vehicular access to the park area (to the west of the bank) but that would detract from the enjoyment of the place and might not be effective in regard to trail bike riders. ·

--------

Page 73: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

__ .. __ ·--··-·--······- ---·---- --·-···------

\

••

• I • I o " 0

r - Q 0 0

0 0 0

0

'

b ¢· ..

• •

----·--·

-

.~ <f>

• •

@ ' • ' I ,··, • ..

r •

• c. - ' • 0

'-

--~--·-·-----··

.----.~____;. ___ ._ Recommendation Key

Shaded areas: where cars are permitted, marked off by logs.

Dashes: areas suggested for bush regeneration.

Small circles: site inventory .

Larger circles: sites · suggested for signage.

'---------~ -~-~~---<-•--- ..

~ '~~

iL&.W(.4'( \ -"· li) . • ' ' f

• ' ,,, I

Page 74: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

-=--"""·~--------,------.-:--r{i\1--------------------------------:===---~ .... ~,t~~;;f) . .. <9 ~- '-~-~·to. ~· '" "''I • ~0 0:(#· • '• \J ~ ~ • ~ ¥ W+~ 1'5 3Q ~~tl"'4'-"'_~ ... ·:· ~ ~....-..- __ . ___ E_._.. '" '" _ _ '" " "' "' o"' "' o· ............ ~ + "',..•.;·• " "' •· • " • "' l!; -~\1::..!.) .,.. ,

R.OA.t> - -- -- • 0 , (r O"

0 0

0 0

V€1-ltCULAP... 0 Access

~ 0 0. ---- --......,._

l--"-

C:::WSIO~ C.ONT~OL FO~ W t.bE' -rC<:ACKs .S:EE~ AI tTCM@ ~

-"

0

' • "' • ,. • 0 0

0 ® 0

0

• " ~~

~

, 0 • 0 ~?@ c.

0 ' • •tJ-:"

b

l 0

... ! ¢·

0 • b 0

0

EROSION CONTROL AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS]

:\ \

, • I

• •

' . ' ' .

• • •

' \

I

!

I ' l

Page 75: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

·-------·--------------------- ---~------ ----------------- - -------------- ----

'

WALKING TRACKS

The reserve is situated on a narrow piece of land with Brisbane Water as a natural barrier to the east and the Great Western Railway to the west. This restriction is further emphasised in that there is only one place for entry and exit (south end).

At present, people on foot enter and leave the reserve at the south end either by the road or the track which leads along the railway boundary. The entrance via Welwyn Grove has been closed since about the 1960s. Thus, at present, a walking track is only possible in a loop formation by entering by the railway boundary track and walking through the park to the drive into the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and then walking along the road next to Brisbane water and exiting at the point of original entry.

There is a possibility of extending the walk past the Coastal Patrol area, outside the reserve, but the land narrows rapidly between the water and the railway the further north one proceeds. Here one walks into swampy mangrove land much modified by the construction of the ramp for the railway. The only ones to venture this far do so to catch fish.

A footbridge into Welwyn Grove would open up the reserve to greater public use and a link could be made to the existing reserves along the north shore of the former Fagan's grant. · -

The only improvements that could be made to the present situation would be to make safe the track along the railway. The entry point is often swampy and the edges of the track and the steep ascent are subject to erosion.

A number of informal tracks have been made through the native vegetation (bank), encouraging erosion ·and damage by trail bike riders. These areas have been identified elsewhere in this report.

• •

Page 76: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

3 I

,.

'/ j ' I

• -1

-f J

J J]

1 r~---. 2398 .. 5 . s • I • I

: r---~-;,-,-~-~"""' •r----1 ;:J,.I0::;;---1 q 7

(J

I

Q::::""" ..............

.. "j. 1.-:t 0

; 1 • !

..., 12 [A /"- . ... ....

f 0 . j c ~~---""'----.~ • ~! . I'

I.JJ 4.1

/ •

I'

• I

• •

• &..· I •

-.J

J ~ -.... ~

I/ I

• •

12

• ;}....

:{ ..../ -"(

w

• . •

).

( J

...t ... ~

tl

.. ..

M""loJt<OV£$

I I

Pt. u.; !:;·

I I

I I

'

Page 77: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• • • • •

' •

. , •

; ~

• • •

• •• "

• '

. • •

• "" ,,

• ' .. •• '

.. 4 ' ' " •?

• I

• < • •

• •

• ' •

.. . ~ .... ... • • •

• -. •

..

• •

' • • • ... }

• • • • .. •

' • • ' •

' ~}

• • • '·

' 1, .., • '? ' • ... • • • • ' • •

~

• •

• '

' •

·• • '

• <1 • • • ..

• • :-. ·II!~

·.• ' • ~'~$

•• ,,

••

.... ,, • • . •.

• • •• •

;> • • ' ·"' ... ' •

•• • ' •

' . ' •• • • • ; •

t .... • \ l • < .,. ... •

•• • ... ,>' •

• •

....

'

'

-~

, . .

l t

f

I

• ' • • ~ '

~

. • ...

• }t ·~

..... "'t ~ ~ • • '

• ., •

• •

., .. , . ... • " • • I

• •• • •

< , . •

., •

•• '

• • •

Page 78: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

APPENDICES •

Page 79: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--------------~ .. ~: .. :-]! --------------...

~~tr~~ .. ,.~ ... ~· ?"'~·· ::.··· . • - · 1 76 · ~ ~ ~~ --~ .. •);.; -,...~ •. ,~t•o.:.,.;.~ ~.. ~

.,., • ·~ 'f • ; .• ... ,. .. y;L; ~ . • .~ ~ 1/0J ~ .... ., .. "' ... ""' .A"".... -~ . ' . . ~-: __ -;.:: ··.~ ~~-~~{<;::.:.: I, CHARLES NEWMAN-of"' Blue Gum Flat Brisbane Water in the· ..

~~~H~:.~;·'~!'j~.:~-~~f·~·.;·. Col<;m:y of New South Wales Timber Splitter do hereby solemnly· _ .... ,~ ·· ..,· ; · ··:.·:.-~~}: ·:.. and s~ncerely declare as follows ·. . ., · L ~ .... ~ • • . • - .._ . ., • • • • . • \' • ,.,.;-.:f:S: .. • ~ il' .. G ..

·.-:;)•'Z{~:: ~ .. r:;·,.:'~.·~··:<;;~~ 1. THAT I am ·~ Timber splitter and reside at Blue um. Flat · ~.~~!·:!:.~rS 1 ·.~.-;>~~:·:~ .: Br~sbane Water aforesaid. THAT I werit to Brisbane Wa!ier ~~::-:~.:;~.' ,': ;~~\i>.·~~;:·,a!6or~said .on. t~e Third day o~. p~ptember pne thousand eight Si7f:'~1~:;.·.,:.,. · .... ~ · • .:tt=.1;-..:;·. hundr~d and th~rty as an ass~gned ser.vant to the late Mr · · &t:.i::_:,:- /·~:~~~~1.·.~.::·"'- . .PETER FAGAN of that place. THAT Mr Fagan was 'living in b.vd.Jn.e,r:~~ ~~:.; • .:-;;;i. 7~'~;;-·.~~4"::·'"";. at ·that. time. That I went to work a~ a Fa_rm ~aborer upon· his~ f·- ,. . · .. >::.~~~ Farm o~ one hundr~d acres. THAT th·e said .Farm .was not then · a~~- . ·.· /"\-,~:·, "~::;t,~ ... clam:r but I help:ted to cut down the trees and to cl·ear _the r· .::*.~·::::::~:· ... :,:·;said farm: THAT there were no buildings then ·~m .:it:but a ~ut ;.: . ·. .,~..:)f:,(:.,.·~,;made of a few sheets of bark for the use <:>f t:Qe me~ .. employe9- .. ~;:~:··<':·:,;.~ .. i::v~-:..::.··thereon. THAT there wer~ two of us cle·ar~ng th~ sa;Ld farrq. at·. [~0: · _' . ~~: S ~ .. ;-"))· -~fir¢t ~ myself and· ?-· ~ap. named Edward MORAN. since d~ad,: . ~HAT . k '. ~ ~. . .. <: .. , .. :.;_:I ha-:re hearQ. of a man named Rober.ts - he was an c:>ld sqld~er · · · •: •.. r: •• • • . ":.·:. J:o;·.-~.,. and ~s. now dead!. THAT I: 1m ow the one hundred acres a .·grant t:~~; :}~··.-·. ;:_Ft~r~.:x next ~0 t~e said Mr Pe.ter Fag~ I~ one hunQ.red ~qres .. g.~~t. t. -~ ··· · · ·. ~:~<J- •l.:: -~ .THAT ~ t was always lmqwn as "Roberts".· THAT th~ .~a~d Mr· · t,}.:· , .• • '··· :·:!"·: ... ;_, ~:_~ .. ·. ?.eter Fagan built _a large house on his said Grant ?Jld .went ~~;;:: . . . .. {~.;;i~:~::;.::~th~re to live about the year one thousand eight· hun.dred and. ~:,:;;;.:~~!:'<. :._;:~~·i{M?·t· 'th:trty one~ THAT .I l~ft' t~e la;te Mr ~et.~r: F.ag~ .a~ .. the. la~t . f~if: ... ::-:;:·~~ j~~R-~1!~:f~;)=~?d 9~ one . ~housa~d e~ght .nundre.~ and th~;r.-ty . t'ught ~ . ~H!\~ ·.~::···:~~ ,~,, .-~-""~ ·.;~6~'J:.~;;s~~·-:·petweeP; ~he Y~<:trs. :one tP,9us~d e1.ght hundred ap.q. .tn~rty_ and .. .:, ..... ~1 ~i~~i·.,.~;~~":1~~~:~~}1,.~:tif'·9.n~ thousan9-. e1.ght. hundred ~d. thirty eight· I. ;11-ceY.E?F ·le~~ ~· · ~-;_:r~~·~~~*r;;.,.~':"~1.J~~;.::}:lal.d ¥r · Pe_-~er Faga!l ~ s employ save upon one·. gr :t~() oc.ca$:tons ... "c...··'t::i:

~:~:;~-:~~:G:~:{:~~~}~~~·~.o ·:_?pme to S:ydney. ~;I. ~h the ~aid. -~1r .Pe~~r Fagano ~. THAT I ·- . ~: ~:'Et; 1~:.::..:; .. ·~~J~~[...t~: .. rem~n11;>E?r hav~ng a convers?--:Ja~n w~ th. the .said ·l~:te . e~ r :.> ~i~~;~~?;.~(i"fJk1~4i~··.Fa~a.I!· ~hen,. he to~d~ !Jle~ he .was ~oing ·~o Sydriey. tcrA)~.Y .. , . . :.. . ~1f~:~·; ... i.:4'!¥':W1~~~~:!.sa~d on~ h~dr~d acres from his ~idow. · .. THAT".the saJ:d,.Mr ~ev.~·-· ~~r.:._.y-:~.t· . ..;::,tl~3~~·~<-F.agan d~d go to Sydney a few days after ·that .conversa

• ~ 'F~ $i~ --~t "!J-.;;;,t~t """'("........ ~ • . \ . ~ ~ • . ;; ~~~~:i:::~:;:~:~f;t!t~,...~-:,:·On his return· llle told. me l;!.e · ·had. purclias~d · t;tte . p=:o~e.:.tY.~ · .. !.en. :.J.

;·:··.,<:.: ·:···;~t~'::;:t:.":~·, .... the land I refer. to as. Roberts J:S on the. s.ydn~y-· s:J,.cte of :t~e . . ;·i"'~'!: ~ · · .. :~t"t9~:·" 'said Mr Peter Fagans own grant. THAT it is bounded by .'{:..: .. ~;.~.<"-::~Bflti~J- one hundred ac~es on one siQ.e Peter Faga!i 's_ .twenty _acres ·- .. ~~·. ,:t ~ .:~~~t;·..:~~~..::.:~ on the .other s1.de and :f.'ronifs the Broadwater. THAT I have · ... · ·. ~~%:'>;£}~·~.iJ.]~~~~~#:~: .. ~.a+ways known .. it as. Robert~. Gra,nt. THAT .af~~r the. s~id .. late i~;.'' ~:·_.·,.;~1~~··'.-;fE!j'-s:w~~:·.-.~_r:l'~te~ Fagan. pur?lfased 1.t. fr?m'Mrs Rone~r~s· !.asked .!us _.::. ~~-'·; .. : .•• t;"?~:;:..~"-• .!. perm~ss~on to cul t~:vate a port~ on of it w,liJ:ch .. he: gave and I · .. f,{ ~~·~~-1,:~~~~.;· c'iltiVa.~ed and grew OJ;J.ions on it. THAT w!}ile ~ :w~? wi_th the:, il:·i:·.~!.~:~.-:~: . .:.:·· .. late Mr Peter Fagan the Government Surveyeal: ·~ag~:un:wand.· ~o ~ . i.~;:·~:}.,\':-?~2:~"~~:-.: _Gra:nt~ a:pd under P~rTil:ission from the said. late .~r I'etyr Fag~· . i:t::~':~ ·· .· ·/:'·f:t:.~·?t ;r as-Easted the surveyor~ •. ·THAT the· po1p1dary l~nes w:~re~:ma:p~ed t::-.. · .:· . ,.·:·; .. ;.i~::.·; . .:;.~~- py the surveydrs. · THAT from the t:j.me the late Mr Pe}~r Fag~·., t'·.· · ·.~•,·'1·"t._'f:.'.~ ';~urchas~d Roberts land as afo~esaid he exe.rci~e~ acts of ..

. ~:<: .. •:i/~~z;,'\'h'J ?""'!lersh~p·~o_ver and upon Roberts Gran:t by cutt~ng down·t):le .- .. · ~:. ~.=i~j_:. :~:3· .:t~ees anse:tling and a~propriating it to ~:i;s own· use, :·running'·· !· .· oJ:U.:e ,' ·;:_. ~· . 0.e3:tt:te on ~t and keep~ng irespasse;rs off 1.to THAT after the .·.··?#J . . .. , <=· ·\··purchase the land was :ppok~n of and considered the late Mr ··Y

~· . · ·., ;~~~> agan' so THAT I have resided in the said Districts s_ince ::·: ·· ·' . : :~ .. ·:·· .. one thousand eight hundred and thirty and .do still re.sid,e there.}

··· . · ··!·' .;·· -~· and f.rom the purchase of that Grant by the l;ate Mr Fagan he }lP .~· · . .:.:·. ·· · ·~ to ~xrl his death and his family since his d~ath have ·· ·"A · · . · .. · ..... ·. been in the absfulute quiet continuous anci undisturbed .posses~i·p~ . . · ·. ;·. of Roberts Grant and that I lmew of no one claiming it adversel3

·· · .. . ·. to th~ late Mr :Pete:;- Fagan or any of his fam~J:y. AND Tl{AT the.'"~ · ;. .. · · · land ~s now nearly .ali fenced o .;

·' ~~~ etc etc • •

• . .. • ~·

• • .. • • I .. •

• •

• (signed) C~RI~S NEWMANo at Sydney 16/5/1884o

• ,~

• • • ' "' - . "' • •

• ' . . . ... s • . .

• • . _.,- •"" • •

The above died 21st March, 1888 (Se~ Wills) I

• . . ~ • . . . ·~ -

' "'= • _-,~ o;_ • • . . .. ..... "

- ' ,- ~ . ' •

Page 80: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

- -- --- - -------------------------------·

.. . "' ::~ ..

,. 1f •• ·""'· ~ ·,;, • •

•• '

'

• -• I

• •

• •

~i~ket} _and Ai tiFen, . . ·_ .. ~] oJ.~ci tors, . ~~

. 9-11 Victoria Chamber.~:~. 44 Castle~ea~-St.o ;·f;

• '1 ~ , ,-.. ) ..

28th June , . 1907 • · :-~ . ·-

io ·-· -- J) . . •, ~

. Sir,w . · ·~ e have the h~nor to inform you that our client ~ Peter ·~J

. ~._Franc·~s ·Fagan of Dowling St, Surry Hills, Adminisirato~. c;>f ·. · .:.>:.t the W~ll and· Estate of his late Father, Peter Fagan, cla~ms ,,'·:·~ compensation for· the 94 acres and 27 perches balance of ~ohn _;;·~ Roberts' Grant o~ 100 acres situated'at ~risban~ Water in the 7

:Parish of .l:'atonga and- County of-Northumberland resumed oy the ::~ Crown. In support of our client's claini we have· the honor to ·:::1 ·s'tate· · "'. · - · · · ·: ·-;;:-. - .- .. '"' ··-ll_t1

~ • . . ~ 13

· lo By Indenture .of Vonveyance dated ·8th ·March 1837 ·. · ,j (regi'stered No. 111 Book 3.60) and made between the· said Peter .J Francis Fagan. of ·tne· one part and The Commissloner for Railway~,"$

··?f.the other::pc;rt ':i,.n .c.6nsideration of th~ sum Gf.£2?3o_J:7o0 .':.~~\i .. Pal.d to the ~a1.d Peter F. Fagan by the saict Comm1.ss1.oner all ~,.~.~~

· · that parcel of land ·cont~inirig an area ·of 4 acres 2 r~ods· ·- . _ ;o:~, · . porti'C?n ~:f~ said GFant of 100· -acres was conveyed by 'the S?-id ·J!};·~~ · .-;Pete:r: ~. F~g·an to :th~ sai<r Oommi.ssioner. . ~his Co:p-v~yaric~ ·wc:s: .~j?~­.. prepared and accepted after our client 1 s t~ tle to th.e sa1.d · · .,j} ~t. Gr::ant had: ... bee:r:- · -in:r~stigate~ as a:pp~ars f~oni· t~e facts and· .:::,?~1 ' : ~:·"· documents r!3Cl. ted an<?- ~ent1,oned J..n sa.p1e Conveyan<?e o - . _- -~.::-,, .':':2.·. 'In the :ye?-~ 1890'o~·.the. ~pplicat:Lon <:f ou:c client t?.-e~ .:.:-=·:t~ · _Oourt of ClaJ..ms recommended·· that a.. Deed of· Grant should. ~ss-q.e_.,.~ · · -~··,to·:~im;·f9~· ihe ·r~si~ue ·c;>f the s8:id ~~rarit~ ·. · .. · . . ;..{~{~ · ~ ' ·.> 3. s~nce th.e _appl:_~catJ..on an_d recommendation .afore!3a~d our: ·:~~4~

1

·-~.:; 9lient· h~s .. d~scoyered ·~h~··.:oj;;i.gi!la~ Agreerrl:ent dat.ed -31!3t. July~y~fj 1 ,~·1.1837 and·. made betvyeen ElJ..zabeth Roberts Widow o~ t~e: sa~d :;:~~

·. John. R!Jberts of the q;ne pa:r;"!i ana the· satd Pet~r Fagan decease(!_::[.~ ·~ ~:':. of t}t-e. other part ·whereby the_ said Elizab~~h ~oberts s?ld to , :1~ ~'-: ·. the. sa~d. ~eter -Fagar: a~l he;r r~ght_ ti tl~ and ~nterest J..n and ·~~-

': to the sa1.d Grant~ ThJ..s ~greeme.nt we w~ll PFoduce for . . , .. ~ .. ih_spec~ion when. req~iredo .Eviqence was given before· the Cour~ ~,{i

.- qf Cla~ms of th~s saleo We beg respectfully ~o refer you to :·.,:~ ... '~he Application afo~esai~ and also ":tft to ·the ~videJ?-ce -~iv:en. ~.~ · ·. on behalf. _of our ClJ..ent: .on tl).e hearing o"f: same appl1.cat~ono >-.>·~ .· .:4·o .The· said Peter Fagan deceased entered in~o possession o;f .,;;~:;·\ , the said Grant- of· 100 a:cres under arid by ·virtue of. the .said ~ .. :?Ji

Agreement 'of 31st J:uly,: 1837, from which date he held ~·!-~ · :-- continu.ous ·undisturbed and undisputed ·possession thereof until·:·: 12th JuJ:y' 1876' the date of his death and. thereafter· the said;!~

. Pet~r. :!francis F~gan_ hei~·_-simi~ar· possession thereof: an:d t:t:e 5:~! res1.due ~hereof aforesaJ..d untJ.:l it was resume9. as aforesaldo · ·:· 5., The said Grpnt of .100 acres was well knoWn as the property~~ of the late Peter Fagan who built a residence and other ·:"~ improvements thereon and cu:ttfvated portion thereof o He alsq -~ u~ed the same property for grazing cattle and he cut and sold ~

· t~mber therefr6mo . ;:5 6 o After the decease of the said Peter Fagan the said Pe-t:er -,.•1 Francis Fagan and his brothers '(with his consent) exercised · '~1l many_acts of ownership on the said property.· .: . · .. ,~

We respectfully submit that our client's cl~am ~s a · · ~ just one as is evidenced by ~he compensation paid to him fbr ·,-~ tne portion of the land resumed for Railway purposes and . :1 therefore we _have the honor to respectfully request that ···1 full consideration will be given theretoo ' · ~

••

• • • •

· To t:he Hon. James Ashton, Minister for Lands, Sydneyo

-~~ .;.t. . :1 _,

tp in LV\ eet 1 .

S H •

I

__ .__. __

Page 81: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• ~ 20/8/1909 . . I ... ... •

• • • ' . • • • • • •

t \

I I •

• •

' ' .

' ' '

• • •

I • . . ' •

• . . •

' • •

• . •

' . •

•• • • ' . • • • •

• •

- •

• • ,

• •

-

Page 82: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

\ ,. •

: l

\r

,,

••

• •• ••

. ·· ~ • • . . .

• •

) ' • • : .• \'t ·- ·.v .

,_ ·-• ·I . -. . .

• • lo -· I' ,. . . .. • • •

• •

. .

Page 83: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

..

• ). I

\

...

••

• • •

. l

I ,. .

• • •

• •

. . .. .

. .. • •

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

• •

The •

• • "

He bought This was

,

Page 84: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

'

Poi11t Clare Site: Arcl1aeological Assesstnent Su1111nary:

Fotn1datio11 Re1nair1s at Belle Vue Poi11t • 011 Lot 1 DP 68582

(Section A 'Old Farnl1 Estate, Point Clare)

FOR: BY: Dr

Introduction

GOSFORD CITY COUNCIL ROBURT V j P V ARMAN

'

Footings and an artefact scatter were reported to Gosford City Council in regard to Belle Vue Point; a piece of raised level land overlool<ing the water, once part or Peter Fagan's 100 acre estate named 'Belle Vue'. The Environmen'tal Heritage /\dvi&ory Committee or Gosford City Council arranged for this short archaeological assessment to determine whether further stu<;!Y or interpretation would be justified. Site visits were made on January 22; February 14 (with Beryl Strom Joan Fenton and Joan Denton); February 25 and 26; !\'larch 2 and 16. Ivlaps, aerial vie\·Vs, photographs and some documentation were evaluated on February 14. Beryl Strom forvvarded a photograph of the actual house and a newspaper article on !\·larch 14 \Vhich seemed to confirm the initial archaeological assessment.

Docu1nentary Evidence and Physical Re1nains

The following documentation is compared to site evidence:

DOCUI'vlENTATION: i\ wharf, 'Goodaywang Wharr, is first depicted in the Belle Vicu map of 184 J and the Wells' map of the same year. The stone wharf was probably . built during the 1830s by Peter Fagan to ship produce to market. Beryl Strom provided a copy of this map. Note that elsewhere 'Belle Vieu' is styled as 'Belle Vue'. PHYSICAL EVIDENCU: The wharf, constructed of stone found in the immediate vicinity, is still largely intact.

>

DOCUivJENTATION: i\ hut is indicated on the higher ground to the south-west of the \Vharf in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. PHYSJCJ\L EVIDENCE: Some stone remains, not related to the house footings, were recently found in the approximate location as indicated in 1841.

DOCUlvlliNT/\TION: J\ system of fences shown on the 1841 Belle Vieu map, almost certainly of post and two rail construction, suggesting enclosures for cattle. The smaller fenced enclosure clearly relates to the \·vharf and seems to have been used as a holding yard for the transportation or cattle. Fagan was known for his interest in cattle. Pl IYSICAL EVIDBNCE: Parts of the fence appem·"to have survived well into the 1920s as shown in several photographs. One photograph located by Geoff Potter (Local Studies Librarian, Gosford) shmvs the house under study and a fence to the south of the wharf in the same location as shown in the 1 841 map. It is not unusual for these hardwood fences to survive a century or more. No remains survive to the present, though will have left under~ground traces .

• •

..

' l

Page 85: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

... t

• • ~

-p.~;--· ..,.F"'t\..;_.' -~ . ..:_

I

!

- -

I I •

---WIC\A R.l=

I

t

--:...

I

"'-~" P ~lltA'"flCl'-1

... • •

• I

• • 1 •

-RAllWAY I . '

~~~~~~---------------------------------~"'~~~~--~~ •

• > • •

--------~

• •

•• •

" . D

G R £AT

,.j

A • { •

I

:(0 '"'i •• •

• ----•

! • J •

---•

t 'I r

·•' ,. '

·-.

-

• •

l

• •

18.4t

• • •

:PI.A.~ (i:)P',-o-Qll H\1-P o (::" J:> '-L...L.<E: v I G. U

• •

• •

!-9'2... ..s v ""-" '<- " OF PP 6~582.

-- -.__L,_ • • •

_!950s CCS\) IJ ct 1.... CA..O~~t. f'L,.._ ~

Page 86: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

• ,

DOCUlv1ENTATION: The contours of the land above and to both sides of the wharf are indicated in some detail in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: The 1841 contours can be confirmed on the site to this day: note the curves in the present road (following the bank) and the small land 'cove' to the south of the wharf area.

DOCUMENTATION: The 1841 Belle Vieu map shows natural features such as; 'Flat rocks', 'Swanipoaks', 'Woollybut...', 'Beautiful hill', 'stump'. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: The flat rocks, swamp oaks and woollybuts are still features of the site. The flat rocks are of metamorphosed sedimentary rock which, through various processes, have split at rightangles forming perfect building blocks. These rocks were used for the wharf and (as it will emerge) at a later time in connection with the main house under study. The 1Beautiful hilP to the west was excavated away during the construction of the Great Northern Railway - the last widening being 1910/1911(photographs supplied by Joan Dent). The stumps were apparently used as boundary markers but it is unlikely tl:iat any have survived.

DOCU1\1ENTATION: The 'Old Farm' Estate (John Miller & Co, Surveyors) must date after 1888/1889 as it shows the railway but is indicated in a land sale of 1928. This shows the cstone jetty' and subdivided blocks. (Copy of map in Joan Fenton's paper of April18, 1997). . PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: The blocks were not physically subdivided. A photograph shows extensive excavation during the 1910/1911 railway widening for the second track. No house is indicated on the site.

• DOC1Jli.1ENTATION: Documentation after the World War I is very uneven. By about the 1950s (Council cadastral map) the public bathing area to the south of the wharf is indicated (though may be of an earlier date); a small structure is seen close to the railway boundary; and a larger structure in the wider 'cove' area to the south of the baths. · PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: All that remains of the baths is a concrete retaining wall and a small slipway and stairs at either ends. The timber framework of the baths have left no obvious remains. No unambiguous evidence was found of the small structure near the railway boundary. A photograph Joan Dent showed me seemed to indicate the larger structure to the south of the wharf - apparently related to the baths - possibly a boatshed, dressing shed, shop or a combination of these. The area has had fill dumped over it, obscuring any remains.

DOCill1ENTATION: Very recently, Geoff Potter located a site photograph of uncertain date (1915/19207) with the name 'Langley House' on it. The house is clearly the house belonging to the footings under study. The photograph shows the house on the rise and two of the tracks leading up to it. The south, or minor track, is actually along the (probably 1830s) post and rail fence as it mounts the rise- so a good memorial to the former site of the fence. The timber baths and a small square shed are indicated to the south of the wharf. The shed is actually a changing shed with door access and a hand~rail leading directly into the water (old style mqdesty arrangement). The nature of the baths seems to suggest private rather than public baths, two phases?

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: No remains were seen of the fence, timber baths or modesty shed. The distribution of the tracks up the rise, the trees and bush remains much the same. As for the house, see· the following:

DOCUlviENTATION: Further investigation by Geoff Potter resulted in an auction notice in the Gosford Times dated, November 11, 1927 under the title 'Langley House, Point Clare, Gosford'. The Wilkinson Bros auction notice revealed that the

• . '

'

Page 87: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

4

• house stood on 1.5 acres and was divided into 10 lots (created by the Old Farm Estate). Regarding one of the lots: ·

(is erected a very extensive, very spacious bungalow, in good repair. Containing 11 rooms and offices, and verandahs; also good detached build­ing, 15ft x 30ft; outhouses, garden and fruit trees. A fine home in every sense of the word- suit retired gentleman ... '

• • •

_.., .. •

• •

Geoff Potter located a site photograph of uncertain date- 1915/1920?

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: The evidence of a garden is suggested in the layout of the house remnants and some garden escapees in the general area. No fruit trees seem to remain from this period, though I am told there is an old cumquot nearby and an old quince in the direction of the Coastal Patrol building. The structure near the railway boundary shown in theca 1950s cadastral map may have been one of the former outbuildings.

-•

••

"tJ. a. ffi z p ~<'

CO• .. w ·a• IS)· ... Gl•

~

Page 88: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

-·''

\

l /

'

• I J f· . . I

--- -0 R,l~"" >

• .Pit. AI N 4 '~-- ..... --­-- - ~ - ·•.,.I"

r

~

\. 0

. \

I

I t :S:O.

l \ \

I

l • l • • I

• •• • •

\

I

n£ID - "-"' -o-D - <>Ot,!)l.o"'

\U"I>-<C-1 .... ,PI>-<>. I~ ' •

I

/

VJVAR.t!AN !S ARCtll q<& M

-

' • • •

--), T~"c

Page 89: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

6

House Footings

The house remains appear to be early because of the stone blocks which seem to define the outline of a house but there is no evidence that they actually are early:

*no early mortar found at alL *no early brick fragments (often used in fireplaces). *no early nails (general and shingling). *no early window glass. *no early artefact scatter near the house .

The stone blocks show no sign of having been worked (whereas the ones found on the site of the Hut site do). The bulk of the stone blocks very evidently came from the nearby shore where such blocks occur naturally; quite extraordinary ashlar­shaped, needing only to be lifted out witl1 a crowbar to be ready for use.

The construction materials that were found directly on the site and in the general vicinity are all ~recent':

*Roofing washers and screws suggest that the roof was of galvanized corrugated • 1ron. *Iron/steel wire-drawn nails of a type used this century. *All bricks examined were of the dry-press variety. There were several types noted suggesting several manufacturers (and origins outside of the Central Coast for some of them at least). They were made in bulk in Sydney from the 1880s but were commonly manufactured until the late 1960s. When found in 'rural' areas they generally indicate a twentieth century date. The building in the photograph was set on brick piers, some of these bricks are found in situ in various places. In one case there was evidence of portland cement bonding, likely to have been used on all the piers. It might have been the case that the internal piers were of timber set in the ground or on stone or brick pads, the dry atmosphere preserving the wood. . *Portland cement began to be used in ordinary house building construction after World War I. *Mortar (much softer than portland . cement) was used for some of the earlier phase paving (several types in repairs). Some later phase work was done in portland cement. *Fibro, or asbestos sheeting, was an important component of the building complex. A characteristic Central Coast construction style from about World War I to the 1930s was to clad the lower half of a building in weatherboards and the upper half in asbestos sheeting. This may be the case for this building, though without further evidence, it could be argued that asbestos sheeting was added for later alterations (but note that there was an extensive scatter).

The Stone. Inner Square of Stone

Located toward the back portion of the house there is a substantial mortar/cement paved area surrounded by stone slabs - this to me suggests a sort of sheltered patio (even though it is probably the area that drew people's attention to the site in the first place). There were several phases of rough repairs on the paving, ruling out an internal house scheme (also considering that the house was built well off the ground). The stone border appears to relate to the paving .

0

Page 90: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

7

Outer Stones

The outer stone blocks are more problematic since they do not appear to have a structural function - having no trace of mortar or cement on them. We also know that the house was on brick and perhaps also timber piers. Only a few stones survive in sitp. but seem to mark the outer limits of the house, probably the verandah (confirmed later by the discovery of the house photograph). There may originally have been lattice or boarding between the outer foundation piers to screen the underfloor area - the stones creating a neat appearance and preventing rot by keeping the screen off the earth.

Internal Medial Stones

There are two short rows of stones on the east and north sides of the inner square of stones. These may relate to unknown extensions to the building phase of the house.

Comment

Excavation may or may not throw more light on the phasing of the former structure but it seems fairly certain that the stones had no important structural function (no trace of mortar).

Drains

A shallow cement/mortar open drain is to be found to the west of the foundation area of the house but at a slight angle to it. The drain is of greater length than the remains of the house. The water would have run northwards and ended in an underground drain, leading eastward. The drain, evidently of later date than the house, seems to relate to outbuildings formerly to the west of the house site. The stone, brick, mortar and cement features near the north end of the drain are difficult to interpret- perhaps a laundry area (evidence of piers for a water tank).

Outbuildings

There are several lines and groups of stones, patches of cement etc., west of the drain which suggest a number of outbuildings with date ranges as found associated with the main part of the house site. One appears to have been a long building extending from the underground drain area westwards.

Artefacts

The artefact scatter over the site suggests some early picnicking activities. The bulk of the material found dates from about 1920 onward. Some earlier artefacts (1890s) were found mixed with later material but old ceramics and glass were often kept for decoration or usefulness (just as these days) ..

It is clear that the structure burned down and the house and outbuilding area cleared of all the large objects, as evidenced by the charcoal in the drains, blobs of beer bottle and other type glass, blobs of aluminium and lead, burned ceramics

Page 91: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

1

and metals etc. ;This must have happened in recent decades- possibly as late as the 1940s or 1950s. Some of the burned material was scattered widely over the site.

Copper alloy canvass rings found all over the site suggest the site was also used for camp~ng.

• Summary

The detailed Belle Vieu 1841 map indicates no structure on the house site- the original Fagan homestead and his workers accommodation complex being a long distance from the study area.

The lack of early building materials and the abundance of materials from this century indicate a construction date from about World War I with several phases of additions, improvements or repairs. The house was burned down during the 1940s or 1950s.

Archaeological excavation may clarify some of the details outlined above but it is very unlikely that evidence would emerge to suggest that it was an early colonial house or farm site.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the area be kept free of public vehicular access. Within the last week one la:r:ge truck has run over the site damaging remnant fabric and a car has criss-crossed the site several times (wheelies) resulting in the partial displacement of one of the few pier bases and the disturbance of artefacts.

An interpretative/management plan should be formulated for the protection, interpretation and public use of the area. I would be pleased to discuss with Council the production of such a plan .

. Acknowledgements

Grateful thanks to Mrs Beryl Strom for background sleuthing resulting in the emergence of number of unexpected source documents. lvfy thanks also to Mrs joan Fenton and Mrs joan Dent for sharing their documentation. I am also indebted to the above for meeting with me on site.

Dr Robert V J P Varman Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant. March 26, 1998

._--------------------- - -- ----

Page 92: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--- ----------------------------------------,

Point Clare Site: Archaeological Assessment Summary

Foundation Remains at Belle Vue Point on Section A 'Old Farm' Estate, Point Clare

FOR: GOSFORD CITY COUNCIL BY: Dr ROBERT V J P V ARMAN

Introduction

Footings and an artefact scatter were reported to Gosford City Council in regard to Belle Vue Point; a piece of raised levelland overlooking the water, once part of Peter Fagan's 100 acre estate named ~Belle Vue'. Mrs Beryl Strom arranged with Gosford City Council for this short archaeological assessment to determine whether further study or interpretation would be justified. Site visits were made on January 22; February 14 (with Beryl Strom Joan Fenton and joan Denton); February 25 and 26; March 2 and 16. Maps, aerial views, photographs and some documentation were evaluated on February 14. Beryl Strom forwarded a photograph of the actual house and a newspaper article on March 14 which seemed to confirm the initial archaeological assessment.

Documentary Evidence and Physical Remains

The following documentation is compared to site evidence: -

Documentation: A wharf, ~Goodaywang Wharf, is first depicted in the Belle Vieu map of 1841 and the Wells' map of the same year. The stone wharf was probably built during the 1830s by Peter Fagan to ship produce to market. Beryl Strom provided a copy of this map. Note that elsewhere 'Belle Vieu' is styled as 'Belle Vue'. -Physical Evidence: The wharf, constructed of stone found in the immediate vicinity, is still largely intact.

Documentation: A hut is indicated on the higher ground to the south-west of the wharf in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. Physical Evidence: Some stone remains, not related to the house footings, were recently found in the approximate location as indicated in 1841.

Documentation: A system of fences shown on the 1841 Belle Vieu map, almost certainly of post and two rail construction, suggesting enclosures for cattle. The smaller fenced enclosure clearly relates to the wharf and seems to have been used as a holding yard for the transportation of cattle. Fagan was known for his interest in cattle. Physical Evidence: Parts of the fence appear to have survived well into the 1920s as shown in several photographs. One photograph drawn to Beryl Strom's attention by Geoff Potter (Local Studies Librarian, Gosford) shows the actual house under study and a fence to the south of the wharf in the same location as shown in the 1841 map. It is not unusual for these hardwood fences to survive a century or more. No remains survive to the present, though will have left under­ground traces.

Page 93: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Documentation: The contours of the land above and to both sides of the wharf are indicated in some detail in the 1841 Belle Vieu map. Physical Evidence: The 1841 contours can be confirmed on the site to this day: note the curves in the present road (following the bank) and the small land 'cove' to the south of the wharf area.

Documentation: The 1841 Belle Vieu map shows natural features such as; 'Flat rocks', 'Swampoaks', 'Woollybut ... ', 'Beautiful hill', 'stump'. Physical Evidence: The flat rocks, swamp oaks and woollybuts are still features of the site. The flat rocks are of metamorphosed sedimentary rock which, through various processes, have split at rightangles forming perfect building blocks. These rocks were used for the wharf and (as it will emerge) at a later time in connection with the main house under study. The 'Beautiful hill' to the west was excavated away during the construction of the Great Northern Railway (Joan Denton photographs- the last widening being 1910/1911). The stumps were apparently used as boundary markers but it is unlikely that any have survived.

Documentation: The 'Old Farm' Estate (John Miller & Co, Surveyors) must date after 1888/1889 as it shows the railway but is indicated in a land sale of 1928. This shows the 'stone jetty' and subdivided blocks. (Copy of map in Joan Fenton's Gosford District Local History Study Group of April18, 1997). Physical Evidence: The blocks were not physically subdivided. A photograph (Joan Denton) shows extensive excavation durihg the 1910/1911 railway widening for the second track. No house is indicated on the site.

• '

• • Documentation: Documentation after the World War I is very uneven. By the about the t].950s (Council cadastral map) the public bathing area to the south of the wharris indicated (though may be of an earlier date); a small structure is seen close to the railway boundary; and a larger structure in the wider 'cove' area to the south of the baths. Physical Evidence: All that remains of the baths is a concrete retaining wall and a small slipway and stairs at either ends. The timber framework of the baths have left no obvious remains. No unambiguous evidence was found of the small structure near the railway boundary. A photograph Joan Denton showed me seemed to indicate the larger structure to the south of the wharf - apparently related to the baths - possibly a boatshed, dressing shed, shop or a combination of these. The area has had fill dumped over it, obscuring any remains.

Documentation: Very recently, Geoff Potter alerted Beryl Strom of a site photograph of uncertain date (late 1920s/1930s?) with the name 'Langley House' on it. The house is clearly the house belonging to the footings under study. The photograph shows the house on the rise and two of the tracks leading up to it. The south, or minor track, is actually along the (probably 1830s) post and rail fence as it mounts the rise - so a good memorial to the former site of the fence. The timber baths and a small square shed are indicated to the south of the wharf. The shed is actually a changing shed with door access and a hand-rail leading directly into the water (old style modesty arrangement). The nature of the baths seems to suggest private rather than public baths, two phases?

Physical Evidence: No remains were seen of the fence, timber baths or modesty shed. The distribution of the tracks up the rise, the trees and bush remains much the same. As for the house, see the following:

Documentation: Further investigation by Geoff Potter for Beryl Strom resulted in an auction notice in the Gosford Times dated, November 11, 1927 under the title 'Langley House, Point Clare, Gosford'. The Wilkinson Bros auction notice revealed that the house stood on 1.5 acres and was divided into 10 lots (apparently indicated

Page 94: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

--- ------------------------------------------~------------------

on later cadastral maps). On one of the lots:

'is erected a very extensive, very spacious bungalow, in good repair. Containing 11 rooms and offices, and verandahs; also good detached build­ing, 15ft x 30ft; outhouses, garden and fruit trees. A fine home in every sense of the word - suit retired gentleman ... '

Physical Evidence: The evidence of a garden is suggested in the layout of the house remnants and some garden escapees in the general area. No fruit trees remain. The structure near the railway boundary shown in theca 1950s cadastral map may have been one of the former outbuildings.

House Footings

The house remains appear to be early because of the stone blocks which seem to define the outline of a house but there is no evidence that they actually are early:

*no early mortar found at all. *no early brick fragments (often used in fireplaces). *no early nails (general and shingling). *no early window glass. -*no early artefact scatter near the house.

The stone blocks show no sign of having been worked (whereas the ones found on the site of the Hut site do). The bulk of the stone blocks very evidently came from the nearby shore where such blocks occur naturally; quite extraordinary ashlar­shaped, needing only to be lifted out with a crowbar to be ready for use.

The construction materials that were found directly on the site and in the general vicinity are all 'recent':

*Roofing washers and screws suggest that the roof was of galvanized corrugated iron. · *Iron/steel wire-drawn nails of a type used this century. *All bricks examined were of the dry-press variety. There were several types noted suggesting several manufacturers (and origins outside of the Central Coast for some of them at least). They were made in bulk in Sydney from the 1880s but were commonly manufactured until the late 1960s. When found in 'rural' areas they generally indicate a twentieth century date. The building in the photograph was set on brick piers, some of these bricks are found in situ in various places. In one case there was evidence of portland cement bonding, likely to have been used on all the piers. It might have been the case that the internal piers were of timber set in the ground or on stone or brick pads, the dry atmosphere preserving the wood. *Portland cement began to be used in ordinary house building construction after World War I. *Mortar (much softer than portland cement) was used for some of the earlier phase paving (several types in repairs). Some later phase work was done in portland cement.

Page 95: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

4

*Fibro, or asbestos sheeting, was an important component of the building complex. A characteristic Central Coast construction style from about World War I to the 1930s was to clad the lower half of a building in weatherboards and the upper half in asbestos sheeting. This may be the case for this building, though without further evidence, it could be argued that asbestos sheeting was added for later alterations (but note that there was an extensive scatter).

The Stone. Inner Square of Stone

Located toward the back portion of the house there is a substantial mortar/cement paved area surrounded by stone slabs - this to me suggests a sort of sheltered patio (even though it is probably the area that drew people's attention to the site in the first place). There were several phases of rough repairs on the paving, ruling out an internal house scheme (also considering that the house was built well off the ground). The stone border appears to relate to the paving.

Outer Stones

The outer stone blocks are more problematic since they do not appear to have a structural function- having no trace of mortar or cement on them. We also know that the house was on brick and perhaps also timber piers. Only a few stones survive in situ but seem to mark the outer limits of the house, probably the verandah (confirmed later by the discovery of the house photograph). There may originally have been lattice or boarding between the outer foundation piers to screen the underfloor area - the stones creating a neat appearance and preventing rot by keeping the screen off the earth.

Internal Medial Stones

There are two short rows of stones on the east and north sides of the inner square of stones. These may relate to unknown extensions to the building phase of the house.

Comment

Excavation may or may not throw more light on the phasing of the former structure but it seems fairly certain that the stones had no important structural function (no trace of mortar).

Drains

A shallow cement/mortar open drain is to be found to the west of the foundation area of the house but at a slight angle to it. The drain is of greater length than the remains of the house. The water would have run northwards and ended in an underground drain, leading eastward. The drain, evidently of later date than the house, seems to relate to outbuildings formerly to the west of the house site. The stone, brick, mortar and cement features near the north end of the drain are difficult to interpret - perhaps a laundry area (evidence of piers for a water tank).

Page 96: PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANnswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/16182_ID_Varman1999Goodaywa… · preservation/conservation management plan -=· --~ - ---~ • • ~---

Outbuildings

There are several lines and groups of stones, patches of cement etc., west of the drain which suggest a number of outbuildings with date ranges as found associated with the main part of the house site. One appears to have been a long building extending from the underground drain area westwards.

Artefacts

The artefact scatter over the site suggests some early picnicking activities. The bulk of the material found dates from about 1920 onward. Some earlier artefacts (1890s) were found mixed with later material but old ceramics and glass were often kept for decoration or usefulness (just as these days) ..

It is clear that the structure burned down and the house and outbuilding area cleared of all the large objects, as evidenced by the charcoal in the drains, blobs of beer bottle and other type glass, blobs of aluminium and lead, burned ceramics and metals etc. This must have happened in recent decades - possibly as late as the 1940s or 1950s. Some of the burned material was scattered widely over the site.

Copper alloy canvass rings found all over the site suggest the site was also used for camping.

Summary

The detailed Belle Vieu 1841 map indicates no structure on the house site- the original Fagan homestead and his workers accommodation complex being a long distance from the study area.

The lack of early building materials and the abundance of materials from this century indicate a construction date from about World War I with several phases of additions, improvements or repairs. The house was burned down during the 1940s or 1950s.

Archaeological excavation may clarify some of the details outlined above but it is very unlikely that evidence would emerge to suggest that it was an early colonial house or farm site.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the area be kept free of public vehicular access. Within the last week one large truck has run over the site damaging remnant fabric and a car has criss-crossed the site several times (wheelies) resulting in the partial displacement of one of the few pier bases and disturbance and destruction of artefacts.

An interpretative/management plan should be formulated for the protection, interpretation and public use of the area.

Dr Robert V J P Varman Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant. March 18, 1998