As we board the Rivercat for the CBD, we take for granted the old boatshed on our left. As we cast our critical eye over this building, we are oblivious of its history in the early development of our nation. The earliest resident is believed to be Alfred Bailey who first built a lean-to about 1880 at Abbotsford Point, then later the boatshed you now see. The Bailey family had an interest in farming, quarrying and a hotel, as well as running the boatshed.
Bailey’s Boatshed from Parramatta river about 1880 at Abbotsford Point
The first mention of a ferry was as early as 1834, then called the Bedlam ferry. This ferry, operated by convict labour, was capable of carrying one horse and cart plus a few passengers. The current engineering at that time was to anchor a chain at either side and wind the punt across by hand. At this point the Parramatta River is at its narrowest, so early surveyors would naturally build the Great North Road to this point.
Continuous complaints by the gentry that the ferryman would not carry the heavy passengers over the last few metres of water so as not to wet their shoes caused the ferry to close after 50 years’ service. The Bailey family, having an ever-ready eye for business took over the service with a rowing boat then later a launch named the Kinka. Another family of early settlers, the Cashmans, also competed for business, the fare being about 2 cents.
To call the ferryman to the northern shore, one would have to light a hurricane lamp and swing it slowly back and forth; the first boat to hit the beach would get the fare. On both sides, passengers would have to walk a fair way up the steep hill to board the coach awaiting them.
The steep path down to the derelict Bedlam Wharf (2012), Parramatta River, Gladesville
A ship berthed at the Bedlam Point Wharf around 1890. Image by Sydney photographer Henry King.
Folklore tells the story of illegal rum being sold to servant drivers carrying produce to market; at about Wareemba the drivers would take a break to sleep off the indulgence, allowing the horse and cart to become entangled in the bushland. Days later the owner would set out to find the culprit, much labour would be required to untangle the mess.
No drawing exists of the punt, however the most likely was a Napoleonic design with a chain across the river and wound by convicts.
Another excerpt from Abbotsford Cove Community Centre website, written by Don Coulter. Published with permission.)
Mortlake was originally 30 hectares of land granted to John Miller, John Robertson and Benjamin Butcher in July 1795. This land was subsequently acquired by John Ward and then by his adopted heir, Alexander MacDonald. The area was originally called Bottle Point, the name used to designate the point at the head of the peninsula….
From the Archives In 1963 Tulloch Ltd. designed and built the world’s first double deck railway trailer car. Four prototypes were produced at Tulloch’s engineering works at Rhodes. Later motor carriages were added to create the eight-car double deck trains so familiar to Sydney commuters. Double decker trains were introduced to relieve the congestion caused…
As part of the 2022 Heritage Festival our museum will be converted to the Museum of Curiosities – every Wednesday and Saturday in the month of April. Tucked away amongst our regular displays will be various items from our vast collection, some going back 100 years, most of which are no longer used. Some you…
‘The Breville’ manual washing machine was made in Australia by Breville Pty Ltd in the Sydney suburb of Camperdown between 1935 and 1940. Sold as the Breville ‘ 5-minute washer’, this machine is simply a tub with a posser attached to a handle. Its selling point was that, being hand-operated, it was free of mechanical…
Our COVID-19 Safety plan has been lodged with Council and we are permitted to open to the public. All precautions are being taken to protect our members, volunteers and visitors. Regular rules of social distancing and regular cleaning are being monitored by our COVID Safety Officer. With travel and other restrictions now is the time…
More Industries of the West Berger Paints (continued) During the 1960s the Rhodes site changed markedly in appearance. First, a modern paint factory arose on the site of the old corroding shed. Its single span construction was the largest in the southern hemisphere, and it had a two-storey mezzanine above the main floor which carried…