Manilla NSW (Australia) is a small quiet country town in northwest NSW, with a population of approximately 2800. It is my hometown. I started school here and grew up in Manilla during the 1950s-1960s.
My first summary/inaugural story was written a few short years ago. It is now in a book format.
For Information about the Book, and How to Purchase, Click on any picture on the left for the Link - Or Here
The Book with pictures, has been written and spans 260 pages. It can now be purchased - click on the left picture. I'm happy with the quality of print, with matt gloss pages and pictures, gloss cover, and the book is weighty. It has a quality feel and look about it, which is what I was trying to achieve. It is not a normal book, and a good size - 230mm x 155mm. 👍
As a young boy living in Manilla in those times, life was created through initiative and imagination. Life was simple and peaceful, and externally, is still the same today. Much of life was spent outdoors, without computers, TV, air conditioners, and all the electronic devices of today. With a dirt road out the front, and with our small timber and fibro home, with an outdoor dunny just near the back door, we lived in luxury. We had a roof over our heads, food, a home, and the great outdoors that Manilla offered.
This web page, and my book-story about living in Manilla, is my legacy of Manilla NSW.
This site documents aspects of Manilla, and shows areas of Manilla, that are part of Manilla's heritage history.
"Life can still be captured within simplistic
interests, if current social paradigms change. Detaching ourselves from the
materialism of our society and reaching within, enables our connection with
nature for solitude."
(Mitchell Zen)
There is a separate Page for the Weir. Click below Link Picture
The following is a range of pictures of the
main street of Manilla, buildings and park area. The street still
maintains the centre garden area as it was in the 1950's.
In the centre of Manilla Street, the main street, is a clock that still stands tall, symbolising a time that reflects a heritage. This clock was erected in June 1938 and documents important milestones for Manilla. In 2016 the historical information on the clock was updated.
Right: Looking south from the veranda of the
Royal Hotel towards Tamworth.
Side A: Bridge erected over Namoi River
1887; Railway to Manilla 1899-1987; Electric light installation 1913;
Manilla Street centre gardens established 1932; Manilla Hospital
1906-2012; Manilla MPS 2012; Manellae Lodge 1994; Memorial Pool 1967;
Town Clock erected 1938. Water Installation - Main town 1934; North
Manilla 1953; Split Rock Dam 1987. Sewerage Installation - Main Town
1953; Southbrook 1965; North Manilla 2000.
Side B: Rural
Pursuits/Attractions: Wool Sheep Cattle & Poultry Production, Grain
Growing, Warrabar National Park, Lake Keepit State Park, Split Rock Dam,
Fishing & Fish Hatchery, Bush Walking & River Walk, Paragliding and Hang
Gliding, Manilla Historical Museum Royce Cottage, Annual Manilla
Show.
Side D: Graphical location NSW North West Slopes and Plains; Lat -30' 44' 51.43". Longitude 150' 43' 12.71". Road Distance: From Sydney 512 klms. From Brisbane 573 klms. Altitude 363 metres. Average Rainfall 675 millimetres.
Right: Beside the Post Office there is a chair where you can watch the
activity around the main area of Manilla during the day. Left: Looking north towards the bridge
and north Manilla.
Main Street Gardens
Left: Manilla and
District Soldiers Memorial Hall and the building on the right of the hall, where
community events were/are held. In the 1950s they had music and dancing functions providing energetic and enthusiastic entertainment.
The foundation stone of the Soldiers Memorial Hall was laid on the 3rd May 1924. A series of memorials are located within the enclosure near the entrance. The largest (white) is a carved marble honour roll commemorating soldiers from the First World War. Names are listed in two columns. On each side of this memorial are brass plates (grey) engraved with the names of soldiers from the Second World War. Their dedication is engraved on a third plate positioned above the marble plaque. On the walls left and right are two small plaques commemorating the men from Manilla who served in the Boer War. Right: Anzac Day.
Right: The
Manilla Heritage Museum combined with 1884 Royce Cottage - a must visit while in Manilla.
In July 1878 a telegraph line had been erected as far as Manilla and almost to Barraba. The telegraph line necessitated the services of a telegraph operator and a resident postal officer. Mr Edward Dane was appointed to the position on August 10th, 1878. He was Manilla's first recognised official postmaster. The Post Office was situated in Manilla Street, a timber building near Mackenzie’s store.
In January 1879 the Postmaster General had taken steps to
procure a suitable block of land in Manilla to build a Post Office. In 1889 a
tender was accepted from T.J. Bowen for £1148 ($2296). Additions were made in
1898 and 1908. A manual telephone exchange was added in 1923 and the Manilla
Street façade changed in the 1960s. I find it hard to believe the facade was changed so dramatically, rather than preserve historical significance.
In 1872 a mail contract was let to Wilkinson and Bowden to
convey mail twice weekly by coach from Tamworth to Warialda via Manilla. Prior
to 1872 the mail was conveyed on horseback. Country mail services started in
September 1899 from Manilla to New Mexico and Hobden and in 1901 to Lowrey,
Glendon via Halls Creek and Mundowey and to Chapman's on the upper Namoi River.
All country roads and by-roads were serviced by mail contractors. Wilkinson's
mail coach made its last trip to Warialda on December 3, 1906. Since 1872 it
had regularly passed through Manilla and Barraba on its bi-weekly trip to
Warialda.
During the two World Wars, 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945, thousands
of letters to and from the troops passing through the Post Office. On July 12th
1967, Manilla was given its postcode 2346.
On July 1st, 1975 the Postmaster Generals Department was disbanded
and Australia Post and Telecom Australia were raised in its place but
activities at Manilla Post office continued as before. The Post Office has now
been privatised and as well as its traditional mail business, it now has a
strong retail business. During these transitions, the original architectural counter
was dismantled leaving a stark modernized clinical appearance.
A Bridge was built over the Namoi River in 1887 and has a 15-tonne load limit. Right: Looking down from the bridge to the Namoi river.
A second bridge a short distance east was completed in 2021
Top: Main Street 1960s. Left: The Palais theatre and main street Manilla in the 1960s. The Palais was built in the 1920s. Right: Manilla Cafe. A popular place when open. Note the Juke Box at the rear.
M.C. MacKenzie built a general store and opened in 1876. Left: 1912 Right: MacKenzie staff 1960s. MacKenzies was a popular large store in Manilla as can be seen from the number of staff.
The Palais Picture theatre was the centre of weekly entertainment in Manilla during the 1950s/1960s. With timber floors, brown vinyl swing up seats, it provided a variety of sustainable entertainment that transported patrons to different daydreaming worlds; that developed imagination for varying personal development. The Saturday Matinee, with its stable choice of cowboy serials and G movies, allowed parents to send their children away to "the pictures," for the afternoon. A safe and secure haven for children in the country setting of Manilla. With a simplistic half time enjoyment purchase of a packet of fruit tingles and a can of Fanta, we relished in this atmosphere of leisurely pursuits with no need for more. We had what we wanted.
A time where cafes were ordained with hand craftsmanship of the era; providing an ambiance that reflected our thoughts of security.
Left: The 1950s was a time when contact with someone required a call by picking up your black phone at home, the telephonist at the Post Office asked for the number you required and then dutifully plugged your line into the line of the person you wished to communicate with, and rang their phone at home.
After I left school, and at 16 years of age, I was employed on the night shift as a telephonist, with a camp bed next to me. If I had a chance to get some sleep.
Right: Mackenzies, the local department store, operated a Cash Carrier system, where your cash was catapulted to the Cash Office at the back of the store. They would then calculate your change and catapult it back to your location. An efficient system built with lines and pullies throughout the store.
"Growing Up in Manilla NSW in The 1950s 1960s." (Link)
A time where schooling in the early years was conducted on fine timber table and chairs and writing performed with nibs and ink. Where the three R's were rigorously ruled. If you misbehaved you gained the wrath of the teacher who proceeded to expedite a punishment from the cane. The number varied from 1 to 6 leaving fingers red and sore and making it difficult to hold a pen and complete the days schooling. When parents were advised they generally responded with, "You probably deserved it!"
Manilla started the 1960s music revolution with trendy clean-cut artists and catchy lyrics of emotional complexity. The class of 1962, and Manilla Central School as a whole, were caught up with this music that stirred their soul. Del Shannon, Neil Sedaka, Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison, Connie Francis and more. Either listening to these hits via radio, tuning into Mike Walsh at 2SM Sydney, or playing records at home or friend’s homes, and even the Café Juke Box. Life was an adventure and carefree. We were content with what we had. We were in Manilla NSW Australia.
In 1962 the 12/13-year-olds at Manilla School dutifully posed for their yearly photograph. Not knowing their future and really didn't care. Life was an adventure in Manilla NSW Australia.
An era when Chubby Checker's Twist was attempted at the Masonic Centre Hall opposite Manilla Primary School on the Social Night. A time when teachers asked who was who on the Beatles album cover. And a time when fashion changed considerably and hair grew longer. MacKenzies got with the groove with pointy toe shoes and Beatle sox, and we entered the era of the Groovy 60s, and somehow survived.
More > (Link)
The Manilla Park is located at the southern end of Main Street Manilla. It is a tranquil setting with shady trees and seats to enjoy the natural surrounds.
It still has the guns captured by the 33rd battalion, 1914-1918. The white marble inscription reads: "These guns were captured by the 33rd Battalion on the Western Front in the Great War 1914-1918." On the right of the guns is the historic brick toilet block. This brick toilet block was demolished and replaced with a metal structure.
Right: On
the top is a sundial (see below)
Left: "This sundial was erected by the Manilla Shire Council and the Manilla
Community to Commemorate the turning of the Century 1.1.2000." Right: The park was the site of H. Baker's Coach and Wagon Factory from 1902 to the 1940s.
The Manilla Heritage Museum is located at 171 Manilla Street (northern end) and incorporates Royce Cottage built for G.H.Royce in the late 1800's. The museum is full of historical memorabilia and archives relating to the history of Manilla. Situated next to Royce Cottage is the Yarramanbully School House, a one teacher house operating during the 1920's. There is also the Manilla and District Rural Collection in Alexander Lane plus a Chinese Memorial Garden at the rear of the Museum. The museum is well worth a visit and their website can be linked to below.
http://www.manillamuseum.com.au/
Left - Royce Cottage - restored and part of the Museum. Right - Entrance to the Museum on the right and walk through to Royce Cottage.
Yarramanbully Schoolhouse (to the left of Royce Cottage)
The first Yarramanbully one-teacher school was built before 1920. Parents of children on farms too far away from the school in town asked to be sent a teacher, to give lessons in their own community. The farmers then built a one-room primary school for pupils from Year 1-6. The second Yarramanbully school was built in 1935, when a new generation of children required the school to be re-opened. Around six families from the Yarramanbully community sent their children to school here until Year 6. The families employed the builders Hunt and Lynch of Tamworth to construct the school, and it opened for classes on 31 July, 1935. The school remained open until December 1953, by which time all pupils had moved on to other schools for their secondary education. The Gallagher family donated the Yarramanbully School building to the Manilla community for the town's centenary of Public Education in 1977. Manilla Historical Society volunteers restored the building, which had been left intact with all its contents on the Gallagher property at the close of classes in 1953.
Jim Maxwell recalls the early days: The Manilla Historical Society was formed from humble beginnings 50 years ago in 1972, after a small Group requested the then Shire President Brian Byrnes if he would convene a Public Meeting to gauge if there was enough interest in forming a committee to set up a group to preserve the History of Manilla and District. So began the Manilla Historical Society.
A meeting was held in the Town Hall and after much discussion it was decided to form the Manilla Historical Society. On the night a challenge was issued by Jack Maxwell (father of Jim), who said if he donated $100 would at least 9 others do the same. The challenge was taken up giving the committee a seeding bank account.
A small Committee was formed to investigate the possibility of setting
up a small Museum. A shop previously Noel Simpson's
Chemist Shop was their first venue. The society quickly outgrew this venue. The society
fought hard to get the Old Council Chambers in Stafford
Street which was unsuccessful, but instead settled on Royce Cottage in Manilla Street, which is the oldest building in the Main Street. The building was restored with the aid of
a RED Scheme Grant (To help regional unemployed people). The Grant finished in 1974, and the present Museum was established.
With the help of many people over the years, including the
former Manilla Shire Council and currently Tamworth Regional Council the
Society is still doing what it was set up for - keeping as much of Manilla’s History as possible. This can only be done by the generosity of families who share their history with others.
In 2022 on the June Long Weekend, 11th to 13th June, the Manilla Historical Society held a birthday party, called “Back to Manilla” celebrations, with 2 objectives: One to invite former residents back to Manilla to meet up with other former residents and two, also in doing so, to collect more history.
On the June Long weekend in 2022, the Manilla Vintage Machinery Group held their Annual Machinery Rally in Manilla and turned back the clock in Historic Manilla NSW. The Vintage Machinery Rally is planned each year on the June Long Weekend.
Left: Showing the vast range of
the community archive folders and collections.
An old manual operated telephone exchange on the left.
Rooms have been set up to re-create an era of
the past.
An old cash register on the left that was used in the 1950s-1960s. I was able to secure the same for my shop in the early 1980s. A local store was closing and auctioning all their items. On the right a washing tub and wringer. We used a similar in our home in the 1950s.
Visit the Manilla Rural Museum in Alexander
Lane Manilla.
The Chinese Memorial Garden at the rear of Royce Cottage with head stones and texts. The headstones originally marked the burial places of Manilla's early Chinese farmers and market gardeners who grew vegetables and tobacco on plots and farms along the Manilla and Namoi Rivers. These monuments were removed from their original sites during property transfer. In 1987 they were brought to the grounds of Royce's House and a section of the grounds was set aside for their permanent relocation. Here they were placed and dedicated in acknowledgement of the Chinese Community's contribution to Manilla's early development, their provision of fresh produce to the townsfolk, and their working life on the farms hereabouts. This Memorial was opened on May 4th 1996.
It is important to acknowledge Manilla Heritage Museum and all the people involved in it's establishment, and continued development to preserve Manilla's History. Their contribution towards some of the historical photographs/information on this web page is important and necessary to recognize.
The rail line was opened in September 1899 and provided an important link to centres surrounding Manilla and was an impressive technical feat for those days. It is now closed but stands as a heritage reminder of years gone by.
The Manilla Railway Bridge
(Viaduct) was completed in 1905 and crosses over the
Namoi River, through the Showground and to Manilla Railway Station. (the
station is not there anymore)
In the 1950's it was a daring journey as a young fella to walk over the bridge, climbing up the embankment west of the Namoi River, firstly laying down and listening with an ear on the train track to see if a train was coming, and then commence the walk across the bridge towards the Manilla Showground. Stepping from one timber plank to the other, looking down to the river and hopefully reach the other side without falling through the spaces, and before a train arrives. Fortunately, some stayed behind, as during one crossing a rail repair carriage was approaching and with arms waving to stop the workers, they slowed down and collected the walkers halfway across. The walk was achieved by some where they climbed down to ground level at the showground.
"Growing Up in Manilla NSW Australia 1950s-1960s" (Link)
The bridge near the Manilla Oval
Left: The Railway Bridge over the Namoi river.
Right: At the entrance to Manilla is an old railway crane and (below) a plaque
detailing this area.
Manilla Railway Station 1950s
These pictures show the types of trains that used to travel to Manilla in the 1950's - 1960's. Called steam hauled mail trains with all wooden carriages. Some had sleepers and it was an interesting ride to Sydney overnight, listening to the click-clack of the wheels in the quiet of night - a peaceful sound. The train to Manilla was called the North West Train. It was this type of train that I left Manilla on in 1965.
Pictures from the 1950s
Left: The Manilla Railway was opened on 21st September 1908 and ran for 99 kilometres north along the Manilla valley to the town of Barraba, from the main north railway line at West Tamworth.
For more information and pictures of the Manilla Railway please visit http://www.manillamuseum.com.au/ They have an amazing range of historic memorabilia.
The Chinky-Chow bridge is located towards Southbrook on Manilla St. We road our bikes (or walked) towards Southbrook and under the small railway bridge. It was always a dare to stay under the bridge as the train moved over us. Intimidating, as these locomotives were large and noisy and thundered along like a beast on heat. Right: The bridge is not there anymore.
For a comprehensive informative page with pictures about the Manilla Weir, click on this Link: https://manillaweirnsw.blogspot.com/
If you would like to travel further afield from Manilla Township, and surrounds, two places are Borah Creek and Warrabah National Park.
Borah Creek is a 30 minute drive along the Rangari Road and Longarm Road, north of Manilla. (Link) The Borah Creek runs into the Manilla River and is just a 10 minute drive towards Upper Manilla. Warrabah National Park is a 40 minute drive along the (winding) Namoi River Road, north east of Manilla. Right turn into Warrabah Trail Road, and you'll find the Warrabah Campground and Picnic Area. Click Here for Link
If you really want to get away and be totally free of society, either of these two places would provide your escape.
As a young fella in Manilla the best way to get around the countryside is via a pushbike. You can explore many areas and enjoy the solitude country provides. This was my main mode of transport and looked after for my numerous travels around Manilla. Was this a precursor for the future? It could be, as I am doing the same today - but this time on a Motor-Horse.
There are a number of heritage style homes in Manilla. Many with verandas, as during summer the temperature rises significantly. I placed a thermometer outside in the summer one year and it rose to 120 degrees (48c). It was hot!
The Holy Trinity Church of England Church in Manilla, was an integral part of many families lives in the 1950s-1960s.
The Historic and Heritage Manilla Holy Trinity Anglican Church of England Church. It was called the Church of England in the 1950s. The Church of England (Holy Trinity), with the 'Cuerindi' memorial tower. The Baptistery and the Cuerindi Memorial Tower were a gift of the Allen family of Cuerindi in memory of their father and mother.
In 1938 the foundation stone for the western end and tower was laid by Bishop Moyes. A tube was placed at the back of the tablet containing a script, two copies of the Manilla Express, a copy of the Tamworth Leader and an order of service for the day.
On February 19th, 1939 the Cuerindi Memorial Tower and the western end were dedicated by Sir Charles Rosenthal - the first stage built by Walter Jackson, the second stage completed by W.C. Grantham.
Cannon Quayle officiated the church services during the 1950s - the father of John Quayle, a rugby league player, who found success in Sydney first as an NRL player and then an administrator. On the right is the Ministers Home.
Preserving our Cultural, Heritage and Historic Past is an important contributor to our Future, as if we don't, the Future has no basis from where our Contemplation is derived. Contemplation with the Past is our direct link to our stable future. Without this we fall short of knowing Ourselves. It is important the History and Heritage, internally and externally, is preserved at the Holy Trinity Church in Manilla to reflect our Souls of Peace, and in turn preserve the History of Manilla NSW.
On the 25th November 1962 a large number of younger congregation members were Confirmed into the Church. Confirmation indicates one's deepening relationship with God. It marks the point in the Christian journey at which participants affirm their faith and their intention to live a life of committed discipleship. Confirmation is the doctrine and ethos of the Anglican Church.
Above right is the house opposite the Church of England Church. A very stately home with large grounds and I think a market garden at the rear of the property. I used to mow lawns and do gardening at these premises for 50c an hour.
These pictures are of Durham Court Homestead owned by Otto Baldwin in the 1950s. It is only 4 kilometres from Manilla township and on the banks of the Namoi River. Durham Court has been held by the Baldwin family since 1848 (Until 2016). My mother used to drive out there in our little light green Anglia and look after the household requirements to gain a little more money, where Otto was introduced to fresh vegetables from our garden. His purchase became an extra helpful income. My mother was very thrifty with her money. Carefully selecting items from the supermarket, paying at the manual checkout she was given a print out of the cash register docket and at home meticulously inspected each item's price. If there was an error in charging she went back to receive her refund. Money was so tight even 5 cents made a difference to the household budget. I still had a roof over my head, healthy meals and my own room. What else could I ask for? It was a safe environment even when we left the doors open and unlocked overnight when the heat rose in the summer time.
The Interior of Durham Court
On the left is Cora-Lynne Homestead, and on the right Oakhampton Homestead. Cora-Lynne Homestead overlooks the Namoi River. In the late 1800s it was owned by Matthew and Maria Hall and they called it Highlandale. It was sold in 1908 to the Fermor Family and they changed the name to Cora-Lynne.
Over 175mm of rain caused rapid rises in the Namoi and Manilla Rivers forcing the evacuation of one third of the population. The approaches to the Namoi River Bridge were cut off and the bridge over the Manilla River on the Boggabri Road was washed away. The town was completely isolated overnight on the 15th January 1964.
In our house in River Street, we had nearly 8 feet of water in the house, causing destruction of much of our possessions. We were watching the large flow of water in the Namoi River across the road and hoped it wouldn't get higher.
Then we watched as the water slowly made its way along the side of the road and moved into our yard. My parents went inside to stand as much as they could on solid furniture while I stayed outside and put most of the outside garden chairs and other items on top of our small shed.
My mother came outside with all
the family photo albums and other priceless possessions and put them in the
car. I was directed to drive the car towards the back lane and drive the car to
higher ground while they finished what they could inside. They eventually waded
out towards the lane and reached higher ground. It was to no avail. The water
just came so fast and so high and swamped our house and River street homes and
beyond.
As fast as it rose it decreased quickly also. We, and the rest of River Street residents, arrived the next morning to view the destruction. Four inches of mud in the house and all over our possessions. As my mother opened the back door and moved inside she burst into tears. Almost 10 years of hard work was now ruined. The backyard shed was gone, the chook run, the bird aviary, the vege garden, everything.... and even my prized Phantom comic collection! It was noticed the house had moved on the foundations and fortunately stayed put. One house was washed away.
Left: Water everywhere. Right: The next day at the northern end of River Street.
Right: Ruth and Graeme Ridley's house in River Street the next day. The front window had a large tree trunk protruding out.
Right: River Street the next day.
Numerous newspaper articles were written about the Manilla Flood. On the left is Win Rogerson, featured in the Manilla Express, who lived at 87 River Street. Behind her is Glen Harley.
Their story: https://kenrogerson.blogspot.com/
Geoff Ayling Manilla Story 1939-1948
Since 1932, the Manilla Show has provided local people with
an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and enjoy a break from
day-to-day routine, with a combination of serious competition and light
entertainment. These annual shows acknowledge and rewards the hard work and
skill of primary producers as well as the continued effort of the organisers of the Annual Manilla Show.
As a young fella in the 1950s, the Manilla Show was the event we all looked forward to. Watching all the trailers arriving in the weeks before the big day with their side show alley equipment. Checking it out almost on a daily basis to see that was going to unfold. The operators camped on the bank of the Namoi Weir and we could smell their cooking in the early evening when we ventured down to view these intriguing scenes. They travelled around NSW - we lived a stable life in Manilla, and this was different. We tried hard to be patient for the Big Opening Day, as the Manilla Show days were always the pinnacle of our imagination.
"Growing Up in Manilla in the 1950s-1960s." (Link)
In the 1950s there was a variety of entertainment that tempted us to experience. The tattoo lady, dwarfs, the haunted castle, the hairy lady, and the pea shooters, where you could shoot the flat metal ducks down to win a prize. All this was pretty dramatic entertainment for us country people. The Wall of Death motorcycle ride being a spectacle on its own. Riders defying gravity and riding motorcycles horizontal to the ground, and performing skills that defied any imagination that these were possible. The Sharman boxing tent provided continual entertainment, with the travelling boxers, and our local contestants, lining up on the elevated front stand area. A drummer beating his large bass drum; a sound that boomed around the grounds, and always in the background of your attendance. The spruiker's loud voice regularly enticing anyone who wanted to have a round or two with the travelling boxers.
Sharman was a boxer and showman from NSW who was famous for his travelling troupe of boxers and wrestlers. With catchphrases such as: “who’ll take a glove?” and, “a round or two for a pound or two”, Sharman invited locals who fancied themselves as fighters, to challenge his boxers in the ring and win some prize money. Sharman's son Jimmy, took over from his father in 1955 after playing as a professional rugby league footballer.
Another popular event on the Manilla Calendar is the Manilla Vintage Machinery Group's Rally each year. Link below:
Friday was heritage day at the 2014 Manilla Show, and the Manilla Primary School attended a special Heritage Day Event in heritage clothing. It was a day full of activities including demonstrations and games. The Manilla Vintage Machinery Group was in attendance providing demonstration information on their well maintained machinery. There were shearing demonstrations, leather work, whip cracking, and animal husbandry. Two games included the egg and spoon race and the three legged race (which were popular in the 1950s) and horse shoe throwing. It was a fine and sunny day and certainly enjoyed by everyone in attendance - the smiles on their faces said it all.
Manilla Central Primary School Photographs from the 1950s 1960s
Keepit Dam on the Namoi River (actually, it is
the combined Namoi and Manilla Rivers as the Manilla River runs into the Namoi
at Manilla township) was proposed as early as the 1890s to boost agricultural
production in the Namoi Valley. Farmers relied on artesian water to supplement
variable river flows but by the 1930s water levels were falling. The Dam would
also provide water for stock and household needs in the Namoi Valley. In 1939
work finally began on Keepit Dam, was halted in 1941 by World War II, resumed
in 1946, and was completed by 1960.
The Lake Keepit State Park is located 34 kilometres from
Manilla on the Rushes Creek Road. The Dam is equal the size of Sydney Harbour (425,000 ml).
When word was out the Dam would be completed the local water skiers got together a few working bees and started to cut down a number of gum trees in a large area, and burn them. It was also a good opportunity for many to cut up wood for the fires at home.
It was at this stage the Water Ski Gardens were named. When the Dam filled there was a large area free of trees. In the early stage’s logs appeared on the surface and had to be removed. Didn't want to take the chance of a broken ski, or even a foot or leg. The Water Ski Gardens are located 20 klms from Manilla on the Rushes Creek Road.
The only problem with this large area, if the wind came up it was choppy and rough. Nothing like skiing in the calm waters between the Willows. But it still gave a large area for skiing, parking, trailers and camping. And so started a new chapter of water skiing at Keepit.
In the 1950s Rushes Creek road was a virtual dirt track in many stages, so precautions had to be taken to protect the boats on trailers. It was a time when inboard timber ski boats ruled the waters.
Water Skiing at Keepit > "Growing Up In Manilla in the 1950s-1960s." (Link)
The Scouting Organisation is a voluntary movement and its leadership is based on the willingness of highly motivated men and women at local level to dedicate themselves to the service of young people.
While attending Cubs and Scouts in the 1950s at Manilla my leaders were Jack Harding, George Harley and Mady deSmid.
Three dedicated individuals that devoted many hours, and were an integral part of the further development of young boys and teenagers in Manilla.
I look back now with appreciation. Without their involvement and guidance many of the young boys in Manilla would have missed out on this opportunity, and the experiences in life they taught. (Pics: Manilla Scout Hall, and George and Mady with a group of Manilla Scouts and Cubs)
"Growing Up in Manilla 1956-1965," Link Scouting in Manilla NSW is dealt with in more detail as it was a major influence for us all while exploring life in Manilla NSW Australia.
The Manilla River Walk is a relaxing and naturally peaceful walk from either of two points: Start under the Bridge (1) or head down Market St, adjacent to the Manilla Museum (2). Both walks take you to the Junction of the Namoi and Manilla Rivers and towards Higgins Bridge, just below the Showground. At the junction, in 1853, George Veness built a slab hut, store and inn, sited on the bank. He established the first postal service at “The Junction” and named the town Manilla, when the postal service was set up in 1856. A plaque at the timber arch, at the top of the path, marks the 150 year anniversary of Manilla’s founding.
The corner of River and Market Street shows the entrance to the River
Walk.
Continue walking under the archway towards the river junction.
The Plaque reads: "Manilla Shire Council. The Manilla Historical Pecinct and Nature Walk Project was undertaken by Council as part of the Celebration of the Centenary of Federation. This Community Project was funded by a Commonwealth Federation Grant together with financial support from Council and was officially opened by the Federal Member of New England Mr Stewart St.Clair. M.P. on Saturday 1st September 2001."
Left: Just below River Street at the start of the walk near the river. During the 1964 Flood the water rose to almost the top of these trees. Right: Entrance to the other end of the walk near the Showground area and Higgins Bridge.
Walking down the bank and water,it provides private areas to sit and feel the natural surrounds. Climbing under the trees on the right, shows an area where the young used to go 'craw-bobbing' during the 1950's-1960's.
Higgins Bridge area has some nice fishing and swimming spots. Not much water when these pictures were taken.
The Book is Finished and Printed. For Information Click Here
Below is a tranquil excerpt from my book about living in Manilla NSW.
Although one could assess this
story about Manilla as nostalgic and a journey down memory lane, it is
distinctly more. The processes for this story were born a few decades ago. At
that particular time, I had no idea the extent of a collaboration with My-Self
had in store for later years. It was a steady growth. A steady growth of
experiences that foreshadowed the meaning behind an impetus to sit and write.
Experience did manifest this dual
nature of life within myself, but without also sitting and contemplating what
meaning the experiences have upon ones-Self, we cannot derive any benefit for
our lives. This takes focus and intent, which in turn requires the knowledge for
Self to be consciously aware of our life holistically.
This also takes an awareness outside
what we see in society and an awareness and curiosity to ask the question, “Is
there something else?” There is. If we don’t ask this question within our-Self
we fall short of understanding who we really are. Not a clone of what society
expects of you, but an entity that participates in the formation of your
True-Self. Away from the abnormal influences of society.
No matter what our circumstances
are when growing up, whether they are good or bad, we need to penetrate our
psyche to enable an articulate observation of our-Selves during that life, and
also the years that follow. With this we find the meaning of our existence.
Without understanding our
childhood, we fall short of understanding our life as an adult.
(c) Mitchell Zen
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