Ship’s wheel:

From the wrecked steamer SS Empire Gladstone.

Built in Sunderland, England, in 1946, the 7,090-ton steal freighter SS Empire Gladstone had only been operating in Australian waters for six months when she came to grief on Toalla Point (also known locally as Haystack Rock) between Eden and Pambula on 5 September, 1950. Owned by the British Government, she was under charter by the Adelaide Steamship Company at the time.

After several days, with rough seas battering the stricken vessel, the Captain ordered the crew to abandon ship and head for the nearby port of Merimbula.

A syndicate, headed by Merimbula publican Ben Buckland, purchased the salvage rights and retrieved most of the cargo of car bodies, but were unable to save the iron ore on board.

There was no loss of life as a result of the incident. The wreck is a popular recreational dive spot today.

For more information about the loss of the vessel, go to http://southcoasttimetraveller.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/the-wreck-of-empire-gladstone.html

The SS Empire Gladstone’s ship’s wheel is part of a private collection. Both the Eden Killer Whale Museum and Merimbula Old School Museum also have artefacts in their collection associated with this vessel.

1903 Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Association medallion:

Presented to John Henry Martin for his Champion Ayrshire Bull.

The Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Association was established in 1902 & held their first annual show on 18 & 19 February 1903. This medallion was awarded to John Henry Martin of Woodlands farm, Pambula, for his champion Ayrshire Bull at the society's first show.

Donated to the society by Bega dentist Mr. F. G. Heady, the local Pambula Voice newspaper reported in January 1903 that his gift "…of a gold medal valued at £5/5/- was accepted with thanks..." by the Pambula A. H. & P. Society.

The pictorial face of the 1903 Pambula A. H. & P.
Society medallion, awarded to John Henry Martin
for his Ayrshire bull.

The engraved reverse of the 1903 Pambula
A. H. & P. Society medallion, donated by
Bega dentist Mr. F. G. Heady.

The Sydney Morning Herald commented on his success at that inaugural show, noting that he took out prizes for his Jersey & Ayrshire cows, a Jersey bull &, of course, his Ayrshire bull; while the Pambula Voice observed that "The five guinea medal presented by Mr. F. G. Heady for the champion bull at Pambula Show & won by Mr. J. H. Martin is a very handsome design, a little larger than a half-crown, & bearing the picture of a bull on one side, with inscription on the other." 

It is inscribed "P.A.H.P.C. / CHAMPION DAIRY BULL / WON BY / J. H. MARTIN'S / AYRSHIRE BULL" on one side; & features a raised pictorial bull motif on the reverse. 

The medallion is associated with the tradition of agricultural shows; the Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral (A. H. & P.) Society; & the Martin  family of the Woodlands property, Pambula. 

It is significant as a representative example of the medals awarded by agricultural societies across Australia. It illustrates the style and design of early agricultural medals and is typical of its era, which tended towards depictions of rural produce, livestock & machinery, depending on what it was being awarded for. Presented at the first Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Show, it is an important testament to the lengthy history of the society, which continues through to the present day. It is closely associated with the Martin family, prominent local farmers, agriculturalists and pastoralists in the Pambula district from the 1850s and is linked to the historic homes at 6 and 8 Bullara Street, Pambula, that still remain in their family ownership.The medallion has been passed down through subsequent generations of the family and is still in their possession today.

Twofold Bay Development League button badge:

Pin button badge, promoting the Twofold Bay Development League.

During the early 1920s, angered by the neglect of the South Coast, John Ronaldson Logan (the original owner of Edrom Lodge) became a founding member of the Twofold Bay Development League. Offices were established in Imlay Street and Logan was elected president, a position he held until his death.

Politicians were bought to Eden to show them its potential and in 1926 the organisation published the 'Southern Eastern Gate' to promote the district. Copies were sent to influential people all around Australia. Branches of the League were set up in many towns and villages.

The Eden offices of the League were used by the district nurse for some time and later were used to house the bones of Old Tom until the Eden Killer Whale Museum was built.

More information about John Ronaldson Logan's amazing contribution to Eden and the wider district can be found at http://www.eden.nsw.au/historical-eden/eden-s-history/john-logan.

This particular badge is privately owned, although the Eden Killer Whale Museum also has examples in their collection.

Early surf boat, said to be Tathra Club’s first:

There are perhaps few more iconic symbols of popular Australian culture and history than a surf boat slicing through the waves.

Sly Brothers apparently introduced the first boat for surf rescue at Manly Beach in 1895, a small fishing row boat. This was followed by a double ended ship life boat. In 1906, Bronte surf club member Walter Biddell designed “Surf King”, a catamaran style vessel made of timber, tin and canvas with kapok-stuffed tubes; and then “Albatross”, a double-ender with buoyancy tanks. A major innovation in surf boat design came in 1911 when Fred Notting of the Manly club developed a vessel based on Norwegian design that became known as the “banana boat”.

 There is some debate as to whether Bronte or Bondi were home to the first surf life saving club, but nonetheless, the sport rapidly spread from Sydney beaches to the south coast. Kiama, the first club outside Sydney, was founded in 1908 and just three years later, Tathra’s was established.

The Southern Star newspaper had reported on 16 August, 1911 that “Surf-bathing has started at Tathra. Another effort should be made to form a surf club and secure proper dressing quarters and a life line.” Residents were quick to respond, and on 13 December that year, about twenty people attended a meeting in the Bega picture theatre “…for the purpose of forming a surf club…” Called the Tathra Surf Club, the colours were blue with white edgings and a shield on the left breast bearing the letters “T. S. C.”

Although details as to when the club got their first boat are sketchy, the secretary was instructed at their 1920 annual meeting “…to write to the Navigation Department re a surf boat…”   

David Payne, Curator of Historic Vessels at the Australian National Maritime Museum, pictured inspecting the surf boat to develop a Conservation Management Plan and also for inclusion on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.

This early surf boat of timber design and originally featuring a waterproofed canvas skin is on display at the Tathra Wharf Museum.

© Angela George. All rights reserved.

Exit lamp made from recycled oil tin for use at Nethercote Hall:

An exit lamp made from a repurposed oil tin with the word “EXIT” cut out of the metal. Red glass highlights the wording and it was probably backlit with a candle. This piece was made for use in the Nethercote Hall.

From the earliest of days after European settlement, "making do" was a familiar aspect of Australian life. People had to learn to adapt and improvise for even the simplest of things with whatever was available. This resulted in a culture of inventiveness and ingenuity where nothing was wasted and imagination turned out that which was needed or wanted with what was at hand. The Nethercote Hall exit light is a fabulous example of how our forebears recycled long before the term was fashionable.

Nethercote exit lamp.
Courtesy of a private collection.

Moves towards establishing a School of Arts hall at Nethercote began when a public meeting was called in 1899 to consider the idea. With the local community clearly supporting the proposal, fundraising commenced and by August that year the Nethercote Progress Association had secured a site. Although a slow, drawn out process, the community did not give up and in 1910 the construction tender was finally awarded to Mr. A. Wright.

Completed in October, a grand ball was staged to mark the occasion when it was reported that “The very welcome rain commenced to fall at about midnight, and this only added to the enjoyment as the copious downpour gladdened the hearts of all present, and dancing was continued until daylight.”

Within a year, tenders for additions were called, the contract being awarded to Mr. Dunn. Furthers extensions were made in 1914 and 1926.

Nethercote Hall remained the heart of the community for many years, but by the 1960s dairying was in decline. With the population dwindling the local school also closed its doors. Finally, in 1969, the Nethercote Progress Association ceased to function, and the hall gradually fell into disrepair. By the 1980s, it was virtually derelict.

During the 1990s however the population began to grow again and the idea of revamping the old hall gathered pace. Over a twelve year period from 1996, fundraising was undertaken until in October 2009 a grand re-opening was held. 

© Angela George. All rights reserved.

Hand-made Union Jack flag, used locally during WWI recruiting rallies.

A hand-sewn Union Jack flag, made by Alice Maud Baddeley of Pambula and used by her husband Charles Arthur Baddeley during recruitment rallies and meetings in and around the Pambula district during WWI.

Courtesy of a private collection.

Alice Maude Baddeley.
Courtesy of a private collection

Involved in many facets of the local community, Charles was appointed to the local Bench of Magistrates in 1882; the licensing bench in 1890; and the Eden Local Land Board in 1900. He served as coroner for the Eden Police District from 1895; and deputy licensing magistrate from 1898. After establishment of local government he was elected to the Imlay Shire Council and became the Shire President in 1907.

As well as serving as trustee for facilities such as the Pambula Recreation Reserve (now known as Panboola) and the Pambula General Cemetery, he was also an active member and sometimes committeeman of numerous local groups including the local Masonic Lodge, Lodge Baddeley, named in his father’s honour; the Pambula Local School Board; Pambula School of Arts; Eden-Pambula Cottage Hospital (now Pambula District Hospital), Pambula Football Club, Pambula Cricket Club, Pambula River Aquatic Club and Pambula Progress Association.

Although too old to enlist himself, Charles was actively involved in local recruitment activities from the outbreak of WWI, continuing until the armistice in 1918.

Charles Arthur Baddeley.
Courtesy of a private collection.

© Angela George. All rights reserved.

Collection of Emley embossed glass soft drink bottles:

A collection of four different embossed glass patent soft drink bottles from Emley's cordial factory, Bega and Pambula.

"W. R. Emley, Bega" embossed
7 ounce Chapman patent aerated
water bottle, C. 1880s.
Courtesy of a private collection.

"W. R. Emley & Co., Bega" embossed 13 ounce two-tear Niagra patent aerated waters bottle, C. 1892.
Courtesy of a private collection.

"W. R. Emley, Bega" embossed 13 ounce Lamont patent aerated water bottle, C. 1892.
Courtesy of a private collection.

"W. R. Emley, Bega & Pambula" embossed 13 ounce four-dimple Dobson patent aerated water bottle, C. 1895.
Courtesy of a private collection.

During the 18^th, 19^th & early 20^th centuries cordial & aerated water manufacturers were a common site even in the smallest of towns across Australia. The far south coast was no exception.

William Robert Emley established his Auckland Street, Bega, manufactory in 1879 after moving from the NSW town of Gundagai, where he had previously operated a similar enterprise in partnership with a Mr. Myers.

Popular with residents across the local region, his drinks were served to the then Premier of NSW Sir Henry Parks during his 1888 visit to the district & so pleased was he with their quality, he later wrote, requesting a supply be sent to him in Sydney, reportedly commenting “Your ginger beer is the best I have ever tasted…”

W. R. Emley and Co.'s Bega cordial works, C. 1893.

William Emley continued to run the business until November 1891 when he sold out to Mr. T. H. Notley, formerly of Nowra in the Shoalhaven district. With experience “…in the old country…” he opted to maintain the reputation associated with the name & traded as W. R. Emley & Company. In 1892 he added kola to the list of beverages available, promoting it as “The best tonic going, & a valuable aid to digestion…” The same year, he expanded operations by taking over the nearby Pambula factory previously conducted by Corry & Co. Three years later, the Bega works of W. A. Furniss was also added.

By 1893, the business was supplying thirteen hotels across the region & in September that year the Australian Town & Country reported on their “…large & commodious premises…” noting that “the most modern machinery necessary for the manufacture of waters & non-alcoholic beverages has just been purchased without regard to cost, & is in full swing…”

W. R. Emley & Co. continued to operate until 1896, when the business was taken over by J. E. Jackson.

© Angela George. All rights reserved.

Collection of original Greenpoint Winery labels.

A collection of paper labels used at the Greenpoint (Millingandi) winery run by the Woollard family.

All courtesy of a private collection.

Wines had been made in the local region as early as the 1860s, after James Manning had planted his vineyard at Warragaburra near Bega.

Courtesy of a private collection.

Taking a leaf out of Manning’s book, Wollongong wine maker (or vigneron) Matthew Henry Woollard purchased land at Greenpoint on the southern side of the Merimbula Lake in the area now known as Millingandi in the late 1870’s. There he planted grape vines & began production at his Green Point Winery. He was joined in the trade by his wife & later by one of their sons, Thomas Herbert Woollard.

In 1891, following the death of 64-year-old Matthew, Thomas took over the business. It is uncertain exactly when Woollard’s Green Point Winery ceased to produce, but “H. W. Woollard” was listed as a vigneron at Pambula in both the 1903 & 1905 Sand’s Country Directories. Thomas Herbert Woollard died in 1953. 

Wines produced by Woollard’s Green Point Winery included sherry, port & hermitage.

Courtesy of a private collection.

© Angela George. All rights reserved.

Pambula Cricket Club cricket ball trophy, 1895:

Courtesy of a private collection.

Donated by local general store keepers Goldberg Brothers and Co. for the best bowling average in the 1895 season, this cricket ball trophy was won by Charles ArthurBaddeley.

Charles Arthur Baddeley

Charles Arthur Baddeley had arrived in Pambula in 1866 after his parents moved to the town to establish a leather tannery business.

Involved in many facets of the local community, he was appointed to the local Bench of Magistrates in 1882; the licensing bench in 1890; and the Eden Local Land Board in 1900. He served as coroner for the Eden Police District from 1895; and deputy licensing magistrate from 1898. He was named as trustee for facilities such as the Pambula Recreation Reserve and the Pambula General Cemetery and when local government was introduced he stood for and was elected as the first President of the Imlay Shire Council in 1907.

An active member of the local Masonic Lodge, Lodge Baddeley, so named in his father’s honour, Charles Arthur Baddeley also served on the committee of a range of other local community organisations including the Pambula Local School Board, Pambula School of Arts, Eden-Pambula Cottage Hospital (now Pambula District Hospital), Pambula Football Club, Pambula River Aquatic Club and Pambula Progress Association,

A keen cricketer, he played for many years with the Pambula Cricket Club. He also served on the committee and from 1925 was club patron. In 1885 he was part of the local team that played Alfred Shaw’s English XI at Kameruka and for sixty years reputedly never missed a local match or a test in Sydney.

© Angela George. All rights reserved.

Collection of V. J. Cornell, chemist, Pambula, embossed bottles:

Chemists have played an important role in Pambula’s medical community since well before the dawn of the 20^th century. Among their number was locally born and raised Vincent John (“Vin”) Cornell, who, like others of the time, had his own glass chemist bottles manufactured. These were available in four sizes, and were embossed with his business details.

Above and below:
Detail of the embossing on V. J. Cornell's chemist bottles.
(From a private collection)

Above: The four sizes of V. J. Cornell's chemist bottles.
(From a private collection)

Cornell's pharmacy, in Quondola Street, Pambula.
(From a private collection)

The son of Pambula Post and Telegraph Master E. J. Cornell, Vin was educated at Pambula Public School before going on to St. Joseph’s College secondary school at Hunter’s Hill on the Lower North Shore of Sydney. From there he took up a position to study chemistry at Washington H. Soul’s establishment in 1904 and graduated from the Sydney University’s Faculty of Pharmacy in 1909.

December of the same year saw the young graduate return to Pambula, having purchased the town’s chemist business, and it was reported that he “…intends running it on up-to-date lines.” The following year he opened a branch store in Eden and in 1911 further expanded the business when, in partnership with Mr. Self, he purchased the Bega chemist of George Whyte.

P. 87 of the Illawarra & South Coast Steam Navigation

Company handbook, 1912.

(From a private collection)

The 2^nd edition of the Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company’s 1912 handbook noted that “…sauntering further along Quondola Street, the visitor will be attracted by the inviting appearance of Mr. V. J. Cornell’s pharmacy. Mr. Cornell M. P. S. is one of the leading men in Pambula, who has the progress of the town and district at heart. His drug store is a model of up-to-date, scientific management, where medicines may be carefully made up and patented proprietary articles, toilet requisites, scents, soaps and all kinds of sundries obtained…”


Mr. Cornell remained in Pambula until 1915, when he disposed of his chemist business to Mr. E. Marsden. Of his departure, the Pambula Voice reported “Before Mr. Cornell came to Pambula, this district did not have the advantage of a modern chemist’s shop, with all the conveniences and requirements demanded by an intelligent public. It is also a great convenience to people in the country to be able to get first class services and goods handy at a very slight advance in city prices. This is what Mr. Cornell has provided…”

Above: Accounts issued by V. J. Cornell.
(From a private collection)

© Angela George. All rights reserved.