Anecdotal History of Annandale: 1823-1876 Farming and Residential Development

Johnston's orbituary noted "..As Lieutenant' Colonel of the 102d Regiment (New South Wales Corps) his name will be handed down to posterity, blended with that of Australia ; having assumed the reigns of administration, for a short interval, during the memorable colonial inter-regnum. A large family remain to deplore a fond Parent's deprivation.- The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (about) Thursday 9 January 1823. Ther inter-regnum referred to was the 1808 Rum Rebellion.

By 1830, James Busby was praising 'Annandale Farm' is praised for its fine vineyard "A Manual of Plain Direction for Planting and Cultivating Vineyards and the Making of Wine in New South Wales". -Historical Timeline:Wine and Grape History in the Sydney Region

"List of Transfers of Male Convicts, made between October 1st, and December 31st. 1834.... Macquarie, 1 farrier Johnson John, Darlington, 1 ploughman Johnson Robert, Annandale," -The Sydney Gazette and... Saturday 6 June 1835

"Market. Friday Oct 26 - The supply this mornng was very good, and the demand was pretty equal to it.... On Wednesday morning, R. Johnson, Esq. J.P. of annandale, called at Dr Bland's residence in Pitt street leaving his gig which it was the duty of his servnt to have attended during his absence in his charge. He had not been in many minutes when the horse which was very shy bolted at full speed, the consequence was that the vehicle was capsized and much damaged..."- The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803-1842) Saturday 29 October 1836

"dues authorised and imposed by the Act of the Governor and Council... arising and to be collected at the Sydney Toll Gate, near Annandale Bridge, an the road from Sydney to Parramatta..."The Sydney Herald Wednesday 3 March 1841

"Alderman allen proposed, and Mr Lt Johnston of Annandale seconded, the nomination of Mr Thomas burdekin as a fit and proper person to be a member of the Sydney District Council"- thought to be in "The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Wednesday 8 May 1844" (NLA)

"ten minutes you reach the Sydney Road coming out a little beyond Captain Johnston's of Annandale and close to the residence of Mr Abraham Hearn, Parramatta Road. Fifteen minutes more brings you into Sydney accomplishing the distance by way of Bourke Town from the North Shore..." - The Sydney Gazette (Classified Advertising) Tuesday 25 August 1840

GLEBE CELEBRATIONS.

To commemorate the jubilee of the Glebe... The Glebe jubilee ball will be held in the local Town Hall in the evening, it is a far cry from a square mile of forest covered glebe lands to a thriving municipality, but this is what has been achieved during 60 years of local government in Glebe. The Glebe road was but a track for bullock teams, flanked by unpretentious woodon huts and "wattle and dab" shanties, with an occasional - very occasional - brick cottage. Now, electric trams run every few minutes from the . Quay to the Point, threading tho crowded Broadway, and passing, until the residential area at Glebe Point is reached, long terraces of up-to-date emporiums. Then, the tidal waters of Port Jackson encroached upon the city as far as George-Street West, while along shelving beach, covered with crabs and mangroves, formed tho western boundary of Allen's Bush. Now, the waste areas have been reclaimed, and Wentworth Park, picturesquely ensconced in a natural amphitheatre, stands where the marshy swamp lands.. lay, while engineers have forced back Johnstone's Bay to form the wide expanso of Jubilee Park.Grose Farm today but a name. The last few acres of Allen's Bush have been handed over to the architect and the builder. Even the boautiful broad acres of Toxteth House-built in 1831, and the home of the Allens for four generations have been subdivided and estranged. The great trees of the forest have all fallen before the onslaught of civilisation. - The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 2 August 1909 (page 9)

THE BALMAIN ESTATE...[Later Subdivision of Toxteth Estate (Glebe Point), Pyrmont and Ultimo]

"The entire extent of the present division consists in the whole of nearly three hundred and fifty lots, situated on the westside of Darling Harbour, and on the north east side of a roma... inlet known as Johnson's Bay, being in continuation with the point previously sold, and offering (though to a different class of residents) advantages quite commensurate with the prior lots, being nearer to Sydney by the road. and as easily reached by water. To those unacquainted with the locality, it may be necessary to state that the, present allotments are surrounded and bounded by the propeties of some of our most respected and wealthy colonists, among whom may be enumeratrd those of James Norton, Esq of Elswick; Captain Perry [of Austenham]. Deputy Surveyor General ; Robert Johnston Esq , Annandale; James Bowman, Esq, Lyndhurst, George Cooper, Esq , Controller of Customs, &c possessing scenery of the most var¡ed and interesting description, with an abundant supply of excellent water, and in many parts the soil is eminently adapted for horticultural purposes, and there are now several places which have been cultivated as gardens The ground is gently undulating in every part, and possesses abundance of excellent stone fur building purposes; several rivulets intersect it in various directions, and there is good landing for boats in every situation that the water touches" - The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831-1842) (about) Thursday 20 July 1837

On Monday, Messrs. M-irt and Co. sold farther allotments in the village of Sydenham opposite to Elswick, and adjoining Annandale. This being the site of the second railway Station from Syd-ney, the value of the land has materially in-creased. For the front allotments from £3 to £ 5 10s per foot was obtained ; for back allot-ments £1 to £2 ... The result of the sale' Was about £4000. Yesterday the firm sold The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser Saturday 21 October 1854

MEGATHON AT ANNANDALE.-An experiment was publicly made yesterday with the Megathon, on the estate of Mr. Johnson, at Annandale, forthe purpose of testing the adaptabiliiy of the machine as a motive power in the operation of ploughing. His Excellency the Governor General, the honorable E. Deas Thomson, Captain Ward, R.E, and a number of gentlemen con-nected with the agricultural interest were present. The ploughing experiment..The Moreton Bay Courier Saturday 9 May 1857

In 1857, it was reported that "six journeymen stonemasons were brought up in custody, charged with violently assaulting several journey men brickmakers at Petersham, near this city, who refused to obey their mandate to strike for an advance of wages. Five of the delinquents were fined £3 each, and one £6 ; or, in default of payment, one month's imprisonment." - 1857 'SYDNEY.', The North Australian, Ipswich and General Advertiser (Ipswich, Qld. : 1856 - 1862), 14 July, p. 2, viewed 19 November, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78849256

Annan Grove Cottage (area of Annandale then known as Petersham)

William Stanley Jevons

When about 19 years of-age he obtained the appointment, of assayer to tho Mint then newly formed in Sydney,.. He arrived, in due time, and began to discharge the duties of his office. The following letter dated Petersham, November 29, 1855, shows that he was busy in assaying, but at the same time strongly inclined to his favorite amusement, music.
The Mint goes on swimmingly now, 20,000oz being an ordinary week's recèipt. Nevertheloss I cannot say we are overworked, for we get to do the assays very quickly, and often do not work longer than from 10 to 8. Still, when you add in everything that I have to do, it does not turn out to be a very easy life.
On the whole, however, I may say that we are getting on at Petersham better than ever we did before/and there is nothing like an active life to be pleasant. (LETTERS AND JOURNALS of W. STANLEY JEVONS. Edited by his wife. Macmillan and Co.,London.) - 1886 'THE ROYAL SOCIETY.—ANNUAL ADDRESS.', Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), 24 July, p. 28, viewed 31 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71065646

In 1854 eighteen-year old William Stanley Jevons, who would eventually find fame as an economist, was sent out by his father from Britain to work at the newly established Sydney Mint....scan.net.au with photos (viewed 23 February 2012)

on the 29th of June 1854 he sailed for Sydney in the Oliver Lang. For nearly two years he remained in this part of tho world. While in Sydney he lived on Church Hill and afterwards at Annandale Cottage, at Petersham, on the Parramatta Road. - 1886 'THE TANTALUS ROUND TABLE.', The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), 23 November, p. 2, viewed 31 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4486566

While in Sydney, Jevons photographed Sydney, including the harbour, plants and his associates Mrs T.; unidentified aborigine man and lady on a horse; W. & S.T (Willy and Sarah Tricket, son and niece of Joseph Trickett of the Sydney Royal Mint); J.N. and family (Joseph Newton); Mrs M. (Alicia Miller);S.P. - WM Jevons Album, Rylands Collection, University of Manchester.

Two assayers were appointed to the mint, each with their own office and the right to undertake assays for banks or for private persons. Jevons needed to find a place in which he could set up his scientific apparatus. After a considerable search aided by his fellow assayer and friend Mr. Miller he took a two-roomed cottage, at Church Hill, at £2 a week
He lived at Church Hill until the end of April 1855, when he moved to the house of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, at Petersham. He stayed with the Millers at Petersham and then at the Miller's new home in Double Bay, until he left Sydney.
From Annangrove Cottage, Petersham, he wrote regularly to his father, brother and sisters.
In May 1855, he wrote to his sister Lucy, that it was four miles to his office. Despite walking an average of six of the eight miles, he was still often ready to cut firewood in the evenings.
In July 1855, he described his new home to his other sister Henrietta.
"It is a low neatly-built Australian-shaped house; the little dining-room is comfortable, and looks on to the road; the drawing-room is a fine room of three windows, comfortably and handsomely furnished, and which would be admired as a good room anywhere. My little room is awkwardly shaped and placed, but being now furnished according to my own ideas of comfort, convenience, and elegance, I am thoroughly satisfied with it At one end is the harmonium, always open and ready for an occasional tune; the bookcase is a really handsome one, with glass doors, standing on a chiffonier containing a large drawer and fine cupboard"
"It is easier to plan than to perform things, but, of course, when the work of the mint becomes easy and regular I shall begin to think of long walks, collecting Australian plants, etc.
By the by, very fortunately, the day before yesterday I found a delightful way to the town through woods and dales instead of along a dusty road. I start off in the wood at our back door, and walk through close tall gum-trees and over picturesque rocks for a full mile, when I come to a stream, an inlet of the harbour; this is crossed by a bridge formed of a large gum-tree which has been blown down and fallen across it, a long row of bullocks' skulls being laid in the mud as stepping-stones on one side: the view here along the stream is also quite pretty, at least to Australian eyes. Then another mile through bush land and trees brings me within a few hundred yards of the omnibus stand at the end of the town."
In November 1855, he wrote to Herbert, his brother, that the mint was producing 20,000oz and that he had a "deal of trouble" describing the "splendid thunder-clouds" for his scientific observations. He also descrives a moonlight concert in the Domain.
He wrote to his Father, in January 1856, that on his way to bed, he saw a "long irregular black thing lying on the floor" and that it took him a little while to realise it was a snake, by which time the snake confirmed his observation with a hiss. The snake was killed, by Mr O'Connell and that everyone was surprised the poisonous rascal had negotiated the yard, seeral stone steps, to the lobby, then long steep, awkward steps to the bedroom.
He writes to Lucy that he had received many letters about the death of their father
In 1856, he writes to Herbert, that there isn't much work at the mint and plugs its sovereigns for imperial coinage in England and everywhere. He also describes a "twelve or thirteen feet long, and nine feet in circumference immense mouth about eighteen inches across" shark caught in the harbour.
On a Sunday morning walk on a bush road past Cook's River he encounters a five foot black snake, which he tried to kill with stones but it escaped into "some scrub. Unpleasant sort of acquaintances these sharks and snakes."
In March 1857, he wrote to Herbert that he was in their new house and that "we bid good-bye last Monday to the dry monotonous country of Petersham, and the frightfully dusty Parramatta Road" and goes on to describe the setting for his new abode in Double Bay. Circular Bay Blue waters, a sandy beach, bushy sandstone ridges, covered with original bush, ornamented by handsome houses and Australian Villas and a view of North and Middle Head...LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF W. STANLEY JEVONS. - William Stanley Jevons, Letters and Journal [1886] (viewed 23 February 2012)

This 1843 map of the Johnston Estate shows two cottages and what appears to be the Annan Grove property.

On the 18th instant, at Annan Grove Cottage, Petersham, EMILY MARIA MOSMAN, of diphtheria, aged 7 and a half years. - 1867 'Family Notices.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 20 July, p. 1, viewed 23 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13164089

FUNERAL.-The Friends of the late Mr. ARCHIBALD MOSMAN are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of his late deceased daughter, EMILY MARIA ; to move from Annan Grove Cottage, Petersham, TOMORROW (Sunday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock precisily. 1867 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 20 July, p. 12, viewed 23 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13164133

Births....On the 21st Instant, at Annan Grove, Petersham, the wife of AH Palmer of Herston, Brisbane, a son. 1868 'Family Notices.', Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), 24 April, p. 1, viewed 23 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60852594

STOLEN or Strayed, from Annan Grove, Petersham, on the evening of Thursday, the 5th instant, a large, well bred red and white Milch COW. If stolen, a reward of-£2 will be paid on recovery of the cow and conviction of the thief; and if strayed, ten Shillings will be paid on her delivery to Mrs. MOSMAN, at Petersham. - 1865 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 7 October, p. 12, viewed 23 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13120056

£1 Reward - LOST from Annan Grove, Petersham Red Kangaroo DOG AT Mosman, Petersham - 1865 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 21 June, p. 16, viewed 23 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13114834

An 1872 proposal to relocate the local Post Office, to the Leichhardt Municipality, met opposition from H Mosman of Annan Grove...more

Annandale Cottage

This 1843 map of the Johnston Estate shows two cottages and what appears to be the Annan Grove property.

Birth.
On Sunday, the 17th instant, at Annandale Cottage, the lady of Thomas Collins, Esq., of a daughter. - 1836 'Family Notices.', The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), 21 January, p. 2, viewed 24 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12853756

MARRIED. On the 26th instant, at Newtown Church, by the Rev. T. Steele, M.A., John Clode, Esq., merchant, of Gordon-place, London, to Sarah, eldest daughter of Lawrence Potts, Esq., of Annandale Cottage, and late of Sheffield. -1841 'Family Notices.', Australasian Chronicle (Sydney, NSW : 1839 - 1843), 29 June, p. 3, viewed 24 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31732149

ANNANDALE COTTAGE TO LET, three mile on the Parramatta Road a portion of the furniture may be taken at a valuation. Apply to Mr. Potts, Jamison-street or at the cottage, which may be seen on application. 1299 -1843 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 25 January, p. 3, viewed 24 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12419174

BIRTHS. At Annandale Cottage, Parramatta-road, on the 13th instant, Mrs. John Gordon of a daughter. -1846 'Family Notices.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 16 February, p. 2, viewed 24 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12885315

Mr. MORT.-At Annandale Cottage, Parramatta Road , at 11 o'clock, Household Furniture, Pianoforte, &c. 1847 'ABSTRACT OF SALES BY AUCTION, THIS DAY.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 27 July, p. 2, viewed 24 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12894039

TO LET, with immediate possession
Annandale Cottage, late in the occupation of John Gordon, Esq., it has every accommodation for a respectable family. Apply to ROBBERT JOHNSTON, Esq , Annandale. August 5. 2113 - 1847 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 9 August, p. 3, viewed 24 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12890944

BIRTH. November 1st, at her residence, Annandale Cottage, Petersham, Mrs. Ardnam, of a daughter. -1859 'Family Notices.', Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), 4 November, p. 1, viewed 31 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64092384

Rozelle Bay

Lots with a view along Rozelle Bay were also put up for Auction...1840 'Classified Advertising.', The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), 5 May, p. 3, viewed 22 December, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2546587

Annandale House

Annandale House was demolished in 1905. The area is in the vicinity of Macaulay St, Albany St, Darley Rd and Percival Road (which becomes Johnston Street at Parramatta Road) in Stanmore.

Annandale on the Web Established 1998