The Gypsy's Warning

 In 2014, I wrote about the old windmill at Mt Gilead and mentioned that it was struck by lightning in the same storm that caused the clipper Dunbar to smash into rocks at South Head, killing all on board except for one. This was not the only story that connected the Dunbar storm to Campbelltown.

In Julie Crowley's revised third edition of Verlie Fowler's Glenalvon Campbelltown, NSW there is a section that relates to a fascinating story. One evening in 1857, Catherine Keighran, sitting on Glenalvon's verandah with her daughters, was suddenly approached by an elderly gypsy woman wanting to tell their fortunes. She grabbed the hand of Catherine's 22 year old daughter Rose and gave her the following prophecy:

"You will never see again the gentleman who put that sparkling diamond ring on your finger. He will be drowned at his own door."

A few months later on the night of Thursday 20 August 1857, the Dunbar was driven into the reef and began to break up immediately. The gypsy's warning had come true and Rose's young gentleman had been drowned. His identity is unknown.

Rose married four years later to William Cyprian Curtis, one of the first five students at the new University of Sydney. They had a large family.

I wonder who the gypsy was and if she continued to have success with other prophecies.

The front verandah at Glenalvon in 1925. It was here 68 years earlier that Rose had her encounter with the gypsy.

The wreck of the Dunbar (records.nsw.gov.au)

Written by Andrew Allen

Changing Language and Attitudes

I find it fascinating to read how things were described in newspapers from yesteryear. The 20 December 1955 issue of the Campbelltown-Ingleburn News threw up some beauties. The heading "Gay Crowd at Railway Social" jumped off the page at me. Those unfamiliar with the changing use of the word "gay" might be excused for thinking this infers to a mardi gras type crowd that just so happen to have a fetish for trains! Reading through the article, I realised that the "gay" crowd were from the Campbelltown sub-branch of the Australian Railway Union. According to the article they held their...wait for it...Christmas meeting and smoko! These days of course, the word smoko is used very loosely for a quick break from work or for an actual short smoke break from the remaining few who still do have the occasional puff. I find it hilarious that the word was used back then in a serious newspaper article to describe a meeting for such a group.

There were other references scattered throughout the paper to demonstrate how far we have come, particularly with gender roles. Downes Department Store, once the go to for most of the town's commercial needs, were advertising their stock for Christmas. Two advertisements grabbed my attention. Firstly, "Mother would appreciate a Hoover for Christmas" suggested that the town's women folk would have all their wishes come true if they fulfil their role in life using the latest swanky vacuum cleaners. Men would be too busy with other jobs, supported by a similar Downes add on the next page claiming "Father would appreciate a Victa mower for Christmas"!

I wonder what researchers will think of our language and attitudes in 66 years from now!

An undated photo of Downes Department Store in Queen Street

Written by Andrew Allen

Source: Campbelltown- Ingleburn News 20 December 1955

Lost Stables

They were living on borrowed time. Standing in a prime location for 105 years, the CBC Bank stables defied the developers longer than expected. Progress eventually prevailed and this icon from a past age was no longer. Thankfully, it was photographed just days before the demolition.

The development application that sounded the death knell for the stables was submitted by the land owners Janango Pty Ltd. In August 1986, Janango submitted an application to erect a single storey commercial building. The stables had been identified and listed in the Campbelltown Council's Historical Register as having historical significance. They also had a Heritage Order placed on them along with the bank building. It could not save them. A council inspection noted the poor condition of the building and they recommended the stables be demolished. Their favourable location no doubt was also considered. 

Attempts had been made in the lead up to their destruction to save the site. A proposal was put forward to have them as the centre-piece of a courtyard development. Its success would have meant a stay of execution for the iconic stables. Nothing came of this and the stables were demolished not long after they were last photographed in September 1986. 

Do you remember the old CBC Bank stables?

The stables photographed on 10 September 1986 by Brad Harris (Campbelltown City Library)

                     An undated photo from the A. Walker Collection (Campbelltown City Library)

Written by Andrew Allen

Source: 

ALLEN, Andrew 2018

More Than Bricks and Mortar: Remembering Campbelltown's Lost Buildings

Campbelltown: Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society