EARLY SETTLERS
When Stockton Borehole Mine was opened in 1886 men came to work there and lived in tents and bag huts behind the present Police Station. The transport and construction firm of G. Hawkins & Sons was founded in 1896 by George Hawkins. It was managed by his son Albert Hawkins from 1914 until 1980. A sawmill owned by Mr Finlay was built about the turn of the century near Watkins Bridge. In 1896 Boolaroo consisted of bullock tracks and a few houses. All cartage was done by bullock teams and horses and carts. Land was granted to William Brooks in 1839 of 1280 acres. In 1886 Sir James Fairfax and two subdivisions occured in 1890's and 1900. Thomas J. Thompson then purchased al1 the vacant land. "Boolaroo Estate" was declared in 1896 and the second "Township of Boolaroo" in 1899.
(W. Dews Collection)
COUNCIL'S EARLY FORMATION
THE Shire of Lake Macquarie was created in 1905 and a temporary council was appointed for the purpose of preparing rolls for the first elected Council. The first meeting was held in the Court House in Teralba in 1906. In 1906 an election was held to elect six councillors and Mr Sydney Croudace was elected at the first meeting as President. Towards the end of 1906, Council resolved that its headquarters be transferred to Cardiff. This office was inadequate, so the decision was made to erect new offices at the corner of Main Road and First Street, Speers Point. These offices were used until 1955 when the new administrative office and Council chambers were officially opened in 1955.
SULPHIDE HALL'S EARLY HISTORY
THE Sulphide Hall at 17 Second Street (now the premises of Westlakes Printers) was built adjacent to the Sulphide Hotel, Boolaroo in 1896 by the Doughans. The hall was the township's social venue. lt has also been the topic of much discussion which has been recently confirmed through research that the Sulphide Hall was famous for the staging of "fights" . After the races at the Boolaroo Racetrack the bookmakers staged fights. Les Darcy has been reported to have staged an exhibition match prior to leaving for America in the early 1900's.
In approx. 1911 a cinema was also operated in the Sulphide Hall.
The Project Manager, Steve Muggleton says the work is on track to commence in October 1998. Expressions of Interest from contractors were called in August and 350 people have so far responded positively.
SPEERS POINT SAILING CLUB
When speaking to Bob Mepham recently on the phone, he recalled his past memories of how as a young boy he played on the waterfront and enjoyed swimming in the Lake, in baths that although were very muddy on the bottom, the enclosure kept swimmers safe from the "sharks". For over 50 years Bob has been a long time member with the Sailing Club. Bob stated that over those 50 years he only saw one shark in the Lake swimming in Cockle Creek Bay which was then bold enough to swim through the Sailing Fleet! Bob also spoke of the prominent businessmen in the pre War days, like Jack Haggerston who were involved with the club and sailed on the Lake and stored their boats in the original location in the early 1930s when the building was located in the bay off Alley Street. Due to the shallow water and strong winds it was decided to move to the current site. The building was lifted and reconstructed by many members including Jim Fussell. Today many sailors enjoy the Lake thanks to the early history of the Speers Point club.
LOCAL CHURCHES
THE townships of Boolaroo and Speers Point are most fortunate to have so many churches. Each one has history, the Uniting Church will be celebrating 100 years in 1999 and the Seventh Day Adventist Church are presently celebrating their 75th anniversary. In 1901, the Morses started to conduct Baptist meetings in the Sulphide Hall. The Parish of Cardiff was formed in 1922 and Boolaroo became part of that parish "All Saints" Church of England.
Churches in the area and their history dates from way back to 1899 when Mrs A. Thomas's mother started a Methodist Sunday School first in their Fifth Street home's kitchen then later when classes became larger, under a big tree together with Church Services; to the many churches who today are so involved in helping local people and the community at large. Churches are the strength of towns' "togetherness" as we all search for peace and understanding.
BOOLAROO-SPEERS POINT SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
THE branch of the Combined Pensioners Association began in the early 1920's firstly as a fortnightly meeting at the local Post Office on Pension day, and since the Associations inception they meet today at the Senior Citizens Hall in Sixth Street, Boolaroo. At various times the halls were known as Garden Grove, Macquarie Grove, Central Hall, and Lake Cinema. Both the front hall (now the Lake Cinema) and the old picture show (Danny Harrington Hall) fell into a state of disrepair when the pictures stopped in 1938. Later in the late 1960's it was recorded that "the hall was a rusty old tin sheld with pigeons roosting in the ceiling and the ladies used to sit with umbrellas up to play Housie". In 1993 a new member of the Branch, Danny Harrington, with great energy gathered a team of members who converted the run down old tin sheds into a facility that the members now enjoy. Danny Harrington's opinions about the contributions and value of the community's senior citizens sum it all up - "They are not second class citizens but the pioneers of the country and the salt of the earth".
In the early 1970's a group of ladies met at Stella Bunter's place for a sing song around the piano. This was the beginning of the concert party which is a major activity for members. The Concert Party has raised thousands of dollars for charities since its inception.
The Branch offers the opportunity for social contact and a wide variety of activities for its members together with playing an active role in the local community.
BOOLAROO BOWLING CLUB
"THE ideal of bowls is great. In donating the land for a Bowling Club, every man that joins will become a shareholder and it will bring workers and bosses back to what they should be - EQUAL" - T.C. FRITH.
In 1927 T.C.Frith donated land in Eighth Street, after conceiving the idea of a bowling club for the district. A meeting was held in the Speers Point Picture Theatre and the first committee was formed. G. Hawkins & Sons were contracted for clearing and levelling work and the first clubhouse was donated by the Sulphide Corporation. Together volunteers and with TC as the driving force the Boolaroo Bowling Club began. The first green was opened in 1929 and in 1936 a new pavilion was added to the original building. Two further greens were constructed, it is interesting to note that the land has remained property of the parent club. The clubhouse has changed to it's present day comfortable facilities and after discussions with Terry Murphy, Secretary Manager, the financing for extensions were from the members tenancity to source finance in difficult times to bring the standard up to modern times and the high class facility today. Permission to form the Boolaroo Womens Bowling Club was granted in 1957.
SPEERS POINT PARK
IN 1839 William Brooks received a grant of acres at Reid's Mistake. Some years later this property was purchased by William Spiers from Sydney who built a holiday home. Near the home were several orange trees, and the remains of what was once a fine orchard. The estate was managed by a Mr Ryan who was the only permanent resident in the area at that time. In 1887 the Government, after representations by Mr Abell of Wallsend, set an area of nine acres for recreation at Spiers Point. The park became Lake Macquarie Park (approx. 20 acres of foreshore land), which he described as "this beautiful site with a magnificient view". Trees were planted and in 1887 to 1911 the Park was controlled by a Trust. A ferry service from Cockle Creek to Toronto commenced. The area was quickly developed and many trees including exotic ones were introduced giving shade, protection and "old world charm". In the early part of 1900's the Park was the most popular location for miles around. Camping was permitted, as roads improved horse drawn buses and drays came for the Sailing and Sculling Regattas held on 26 January each year.
The first subdivision of Speers Point was in 1902 and land sold for 90 pounds per half acre. In 1904 an additional 8 acres was sought to enlarge the Park to accommodate the 10,000 people who attended the 1904 regatta.
The population of the area was now increasing and the State Government in 1906 appointed a temporary council, an election was held and a Council instituted.
In 1910 the Trustees transferred the Park over to Lake Macquarie Shire Council. A large ceremony was held in the Park in 191l. The tram line opened operating to Newcastle, the journey was slow and with competition from bus services in 1930/31 the tram service was discontinued.
The Boolaroo & District Sulphide Brass Band played regularly in the Park on Sunday afternoons. During the war soldiers camped in the Park. The Park has provided much enjoyment over the last 100 years and now it is time for the community, the Council and Government to initiate many strategies to protect the Lake and Park into the next Century.
SPEERS POINT SCHOOL
- Home of Puppets In Motion
On 3 March 1954 approval was given for the establishment of a school at Speers Point. The school opened in 1957.
Steve Beazley, a teacher at Speers Point Public School, a well known artist, started making puppets from ideas he obtained from his students. "Puppets In Motion" is a performance team with life-size wearable puppets and other costumes consisting of puppeteers from primary and secondary schools. Based at Speers Point Public School, this group is voluntary and funds raised go towards running costs and functions. Puppets In Motion perform regularly at Festivals throughout Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, the Hunter and Sydney. Earlier in 1998 the group toured America, on a three week performance tour from New York, Virginia, Washington, Tennessee and Florida, an exciting tour where they were very well received.
Puppets In Motion will be featured in the 1998 Grand Parade at the Boolaroo Centenary Family Fair on Sunday, 8th November and will perform at 1.00pm and 2.00pm on stage in Main Road. Congratulations to these talented young children who have their own unique standard of excellence in their own community and further afield. We can only hope that Steve Beazley, dedicated parents and others who become involved keep this wonderful concept alive for another 100 years.
WARATAH GOLF CLUB
PRIOR to 1901 golfers played on the Waratah Reserve. In 1901 the affiliation occurred of Waratah Golf Club and in 1905 a clubhouse was built at Dangar Park. In 1910 flood mitigation was a constant concern when a further 80 acres of land was acquired and a second clubhouse built. In 1918 the expanding BHP ofiered 17,500 pounds for the Waratah property and the Cockle Creek site was chosen for its proximity to trains, trams and road.
The new clubhouse was officially opened in 1921. Golf courses are always at the mercy of element of nature, and the strength and dedication of this club's members was an integral part of improvements throughout the club's history as they overcame damage to the course and clubhouse from disastrous floods, a fire to the clubhouse in 1957, continuous years of rain, more flooding, a severe drought in 1980 and structual damage from the 1989 earthquake just to list a few. In 1980 volunteers hand-watered the greens when there were water restrictions. Due to the drought, the installation of a watering system was undertaken by members working voluntarily.
The Waratah Golf Club has always been conscious of giving opportunities to its young members. Peter Tutt is the club's popular professional with a Pro Shop, and many Golf Charity Days have been staged helping the community in need through sport. Waratah Lady members have always been willing to serve on the District Committee to further the interests of ladies' golf. The Waratah Golf Club is situated next door to the Sulphide Welfare Club in 456 Lake Road, Argenton.
SPEERS POINT R.S.L.
MANY changes to the Speers Point RSL have been made. In early days the RSL was in the building of the old Speers Point RSL Youth Club which is no longer in use. The existing building was orginally used as a picture theatre. The renovated building was offcially opened in 1965 and thereafter further extensions and renovations were completed over 2 years ago, which resulted in the RSL Club's membership climbing from 1200 to currently 2300 members. The club caters for everyone, with entertainment, dance classes and competitions. Members cash draws are popular in conjunctions with the raffles. Alan Jacobs has held the position of Secretary Manager for over 8 years. Five Islands Restaurant is very popular at the RSL and named after a well-known landmark on Lake Macquarie.
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