O U R I M B A H

History of a New South Wales Timber Town to 1930

by

B C Jones  &  A C Eyers

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Our  book was published in 1988. Wyong Shire Council paid for the printing of 1000 copies, which Council then sold from its offices and library and other channels. The 1000th copy sold in 1998.

Since the book was published, an addition to Ourimbah's short list of public amenities has been made in the form of a campus of the University of Newcastle.

The text has been slightly modified, rather than revised.

Preface to the 1988 printed version

This book is the result of a research project undertaken by my sister, Ann, as a part of her Associate Diploma in Local and Applied History course at Armidale C.A.E.

That project involved the gathering of a wide range of information from historical resources such as might be required for the preparation of a book. Our intention at the outset was that the results of her work on that project be fully utilised and this volume on the history of Ourimbah is the fruit of her labour. It has been my pleasure to narrate the multitude of detail which Ann has unearthed during long hours in the official repositories and during many personal interviews.

Facts are reported here which have not before been reported. Misconceptions and misstatements are put right.

By the end of Part [3] we had to make a decision to close the story rather earlier than we had expected. As each of the first [three] parts concluded with an economic depression, the decision was to call a halt at the Great Depression. Besides, we reasoned to each other, the closer one gets to the present day, the more likely one is to tread on a live toe!

As it is, the work can at least be regarded as a foundation upon which others may build.

The story of the destruction of Ourimbah's magnificent forests is a sad one, but there is presently an opportunity to make some amends. Although some may unfortunately feel themselves disadvantaged by the latest land use zonings, they are the vehicle by which the best aspects of Ourimbah's remaining beauty may be preserved and extended.

BCJ
January 1988

Abbreviations

Acknowledgments

A great number of people assisted in a variety of ways in the compilation of this book. Each contribution has been greatly appreciated. We are particularly grateful toward ...

We are especially thankful to those who have shared their recollections with us ...
Mrs Bertha Rowley
Mr Ernie Bailey
Mrs Daphne Simon
Mr Pat Pender
Mrs Marj Hughes
Mr Arthur Hextall
Mr Bill Eacott
Mr Reg Brown
Mrs Lloyd-Jones
Mr Phil May
Mrs Hazel O'Neill
Mr and Mrs Reg and Bertha Morris
Mrs Molly and the late Mr Ces Robson

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Bibliography 

A word about copyright
1. Text
The authors retain copyright in all text. You can use the text in research as long as you acknowledge the source.

2. Images
Permission was obtained to reproduce all photographs included in the printed version of the book. Other photographs are included in this www version that were copied by the authors from photographs held by persons interviewed during research. If you have an objection to the inclusion of any image appearing in these web pages, please email Bruce Jones.

Something about maps
Regrettably some maps did not scan sufficiently well to be included in these web pages. Serious researchers should refer to the maps of

Mathew 1831    AONSW Surveys Tuggerah Lakes 1831 (Map 5945);
Dalgety 1841    AONSW (Map 5246); and
Wells 1841        Mitchell Library M3 811.25/1841.1.