Timber has played a major part in Bermagui’s history. Since Bermagui’s first settlers in the 1830s, timber was sourced from local forests, and used for dwelling construction and fences etc. What follows is a brief outline of the development of the timber industry in and around Bermagui. As the country expanded the demand for timber…
Emily Wintle (nee Gillespie), was a woman who made a significant contribution to trade and transport in the early days of this district. A photo of her in the Corkhill Collection shows a woman of strong and determined character. Her recollections of her life and times were recorded when she was 85. The daughter of…
William Henry Corkhill (1846-1936) took evident delight in photographing his family at their property Marengo, in Tilba Tilba. His three children, Edith, Pearl (her first name was Elizabeth but she was known by her second) and Norman, with assorted pets, feature prominently as subjects, his wife Frances née Bate less so. The heritage of the…
The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 4th July 1887 (By Our Special Reporter) With the exception of those whose business took them to the southern coast between Kiama and Twofold Bay, Bermagui was scarcely known to anyone until about eight years ago, when the discovery of gold in the vicinity brought it into prominence, not only…
In 1904 after the Boer War ended, Sam Sinclair cycled into Bermagui and set up a Blacksmiths shop. Over time the shop developed into a hardware and petrol stop and was a well-known spot for a yarn. Sam was respected for his great kindness and sense of humour and over 60 years Sam’s talents expanded…
