Hi Leslie - Ann, Kerry. I think Cecily on the list will be able to tell a similar story of Connolly children leaving B/worth and going back to Ireland to school for some years. I can't recall the years, maybe Cecily can help out here. As for my family and why I asked if anyone knew why children were in the homeland. - I received an extract from a Diary. This marvellous Diary tells that Martha Crawford was in the USA in 1867. Timewise this confirms that a daughter (#3) was born there, the whereabouts of this birth has always been a mystery. Her death certificate said birth was in USA but family was not the informant so I hesitated to accept it as I could never confirm it. Mum was back in Chiltern in early 1868. Since writing to the list last night about schools I have found out that the child born in 1867 was still in the US in 1870 with grandparents in New Hampshire and birth was given as Connecticut. My ideas on this are - It seemed to be some sort of 'tradition' that the family left the eldest child with grandparents. Years ago someone from US list told me this happened there in the past. I guess it happened in lots of places. This was repeated in the next generation of Crawfords; grandparents took on the parenting roll for their first grandson for 16 years while his mum and dad went on to have another 8 children. They were all in the same state for most of that time, not worlds apart. However, this could say something about what families did. A theory put forward to me by a family member was that she was sick and had been left with a cousin in a special school in New York. How would mum know this child was "sick" in 1867, when she was such a small baby. Another thought is that she was taught music there...many of the family were music teachers, but we certainly had music teachers here in Australia. Child #3 1867, was a very good pianist later in life - photo in some sort of 'uniform', music sheets signed by conductors etc. top piano, etc. Again, mum wouldn't know child was musical after the birth in 1867. Sort of kills both these theories. The child was (?still) in USA in 1876, and I have her shipping to Australia that year. Father made the trip to bring her home. Had she been there that long, and if so why. This child eventually attended a private school in Melbourne (obviously a boarder as mum and dad in the northeast) and achieved good marks - have her report - so given her music and her scholastic records I don't think "backwards" comes in here. I've read on a death certificate of a daughter (#2) that she spent 10 years in the US. Born in Beechworth in 1857. She was still in Australia in 1863. She was there in 1867 with Martha Crawford but nothing found that she had been brought home to Australia. She was here for sure in the late 1870s busy buying land, and shortly afterwards married, so the time for leaving her there was also in 1867. WHY? No proof, but it has been written that she too attended school in Melbourne. 4. Last night I asked about the school in Chiltern only to check on one daughter (#1) of the family and see if she was in Australia in 1867. Daughter #1 eventually moved to the US to live with 5 kids leaving husband here, and ended up living in the same home father had grown up in. That's another story. Everything has a reason I guess, but strange from this angle. Thanks to those who have put forward some ideas, it's got the brain going. Denise ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leslie-Ann O'Donnell" <leslie_ann28@hotmail.com> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 9:18 PM Subject: Re: [HC] Query on children of the 1800s > Denise I'm not sure if this is relevant, I've been keeping the sketchiest > watch on the list in recent months as work has devoured most of my time > and can't find your theory... but the three eldest O'Donnell boys > including my g grandfather were sent back to Ireland to school; not to a > school anywhere near where Michael and Margaret were from (around > Limerick) but Dublin to a then v. new public school which today churns out > a large proportion of Ireland's Rugby players. It doesn't seem to have > been a case of sending back to the family so much as sending them back > specifically for the education on offer. As far as I can make out their > return coincided with Margaret becoming unwell... Robert was certainly a > pupil at Beechworth Grammar after they returned. > > Leslie-Ann > > >>I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a >>child/children of a family >was either left behind in the homeland or sent >>there/back perhaps. >>I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found >>this - I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. > Denise > > _________________________________________________________________ > Express yourself with cool new emoticons > http://www.msn.co.uk/specials/myemo >

thanks Ronda, I think it would be worth while having it checked out nevertheless, just to try to get the facts right. D ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ronda Shambrook" <shambrookdr@dcsi.net.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 8:43 AM Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi Denise, > The school records I have viewed at the PRO are the 'building files' and > the > 'correspondence files'. It is just a matter of pure luck as to what they > contain eg. Hillsborough files has lots of names and birthdates of pupils, > as they were looking at closing the school. Bruarong has lots of day to > day > dramas, as a crazy parent kept writing in with trivial complaints. I have > found newspaper clippings (sent in to back up an argument), original > doctors > certificates, all sorts of really interesting and relevant stuff. On > other > occasions I've drawn a complete blank. > Ronda > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM > Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > > >> Hi all, >> >> I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records >> for > 1867? >> >> If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that > Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. >> >> Denise >> >

Thanks Kerry. I have read of this often particularly from Ireland and have wondered if it was the case with my Irish ggm - not the subject of this thread. But nothing indicates that my other family had this problem-lack of money. Very interesting nevertheless and the 'backward' section is of interest although I don't know if this would have been obvious within the first few months of life? The mother was back in Australia within 8 months of the birth. She was pregnant again within another 4 months. I'll wait until perhaps others have a say and then I'll put my theory simple as it is to the list for comment. I appreciate any thoughts as I would like to pursue it as much as I can. D > Denise this would depend what country the mum came from and as to what she > was leaving. > I have read many letters from immigrants back home to > Ireland, who arrived > from Shannagolden, Limerick. > First they would try > and get one healthy one out who could work to send the > money back home > and arrange with (in this case the Landlord, Lord > Mounteagle)to send out > another, usually not the women and children first as > they needed the > workers here to earn the passages over here. Then they would> start > requesting for the cousins to come out. Sometimes they decided against > > the elderly leaving as the journey was too much, some women left their > > children with relatives until they had enough money to send for them. > There> have also been a couple of letter where if the child was what they > termed> "backward" he/she was often left with the grandparents and money > from > Australia sent over for their care.> I suppose this makes sense since > there was no social security here and> no-one to look after them while > they worked, they probably thought it best> to leave a child where they > knew he/she would be okay. > > Kerry > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 6:04 PM > Subject: [HC] Query on children of the 1800s > > > Hi all > > I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a > child/children of a family was either left behind in the homeland or sent > there/back perhaps. > > I now have some information which leads me to believe that one of mine was > left behind after birth whilst the mother returned to Australia. I do > have > a theory, but don't know if it worth anything. > > So I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found > this - I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. > > Denise > >

Denise this would depend what country the mum came from and as to what she was leaving. I have read many letters from immigrants back home to Ireland, who arrived from Shannagolden, Limerick. First they would try and get one healthy one out who could work to send the money back home and arrange with (in this case the Landlord, Lord Mounteagle)to send out another, usually not the women and children first as they needed the workers here to earn the passages over here. Then they would start requesting for the cousins to come out. Sometimes they decided against the elderly leaving as the journey was too much, some women left their children with relatives until they had enough money to send for them. There have also been a couple of letter where if the child was what they termed "backward" he/she was often left with the grandparents and money from Australia sent over for their care. I suppose this makes sense since there was no social security here and no-one to look after them while they worked, they probably thought it best to leave a child where they knew he/she would be okay. Kerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 6:04 PM Subject: [HC] Query on children of the 1800s Hi all I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a child/children of a family was either left behind in the homeland or sent there/back perhaps. I now have some information which leads me to believe that one of mine was left behind after birth whilst the mother returned to Australia. I do have a theory, but don't know if it worth anything. So I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found this - I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. Denise

Great . A start anyway! (g) D ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Ross" <rossof@ozemail.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 6:16 PM Subject: Re: [HC] Query on children of the 1800s > Don't know about you Denise, but I've been tempted many times! > Peter R > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 6:04 PM > Subject: [HC] Query on children of the 1800s > > >> Hi all >> >> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a > child/children of a family was either left behind in the homeland or sent > there/back perhaps. >> >> I now have some information which leads me to believe that one of mine >> was > left behind after birth whilst the mother returned to Australia. I do > have > a theory, but don't know if it worth anything. >> >> So I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found > this - I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. >> >> Denise >> >

Don't know about you Denise, but I've been tempted many times! Peter R ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 6:04 PM Subject: [HC] Query on children of the 1800s > Hi all > > I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a child/children of a family was either left behind in the homeland or sent there/back perhaps. > > I now have some information which leads me to believe that one of mine was left behind after birth whilst the mother returned to Australia. I do have a theory, but don't know if it worth anything. > > So I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found this - I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. > > Denise >

Hi all I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a child/children of a family was either left behind in the homeland or sent there/back perhaps. I now have some information which leads me to believe that one of mine was left behind after birth whilst the mother returned to Australia. I do have a theory, but don't know if it worth anything. So I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found this - I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. Denise

Thanks Kerry. I tried getting thru on Ray's suggested number today but the person concerned was not at her desk. I'll try that again and then I'll get my chap to check them out for me. I've got two or three avenues on the go now. I had another breakthrough last night regarding Susie and her young years.... Another interesting exercise coming up, the mind boggles at times, as to why people did what they did. regards Denise ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kerry" <kerryb@austarnet.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 11:17 AM Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > Denise > > The early school records are housed in the PROV, I've gone through them > myself, not Chiltern though > all you need is the State School no in the records you will find letters > from the teachers, and student attendence records > etc.. > > Kerry > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 6:36 PM > Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > > > No not yet Di, wondered if they were held in Melbourne. > I was going to email her tonight . > If anyone knows where the school records are held I would love to find out > and ask my research chap to have a look for me. > > I guess PRO would be a good start? > > regards > Denise > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dianne Carroll" <highcountryheritage@dodo.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 6:31 PM > Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > > >> Hi Denise, >> Christine Watson would be the only thought - but I suppose you already >> tried >> her??? >> >> Di >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> >> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> >> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM >> Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far >> >> >>> Hi all, >>> >>> I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records >>> for >> 1867? >>> >>> If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that >> Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. >>> >>> Denise >>> >>> >>> >> >> > >

Denise I'm not sure if this is relevant, I've been keeping the sketchiest watch on the list in recent months as work has devoured most of my time and can't find your theory... but the three eldest O'Donnell boys including my g grandfather were sent back to Ireland to school; not to a school anywhere near where Michael and Margaret were from (around Limerick) but Dublin to a then v. new public school which today churns out a large proportion of Ireland's Rugby players. It doesn't seem to have been a case of sending back to the family so much as sending them back specifically for the education on offer. As far as I can make out their return coincided with Margaret becoming unwell... Robert was certainly a pupil at Beechworth Grammar after they returned. Leslie-Ann >I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has discovered that a >child/children of a family >was either left behind in the homeland or sent >there/back perhaps. >I would be keen to see a discussion on this if any of you have found this - >I would like to hear some other reasons why this would happen. Denise _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself with cool new emoticons http://www.msn.co.uk/specials/myemo

Denise The early school records are housed in the PROV, I've gone through them myself, not Chiltern though all you need is the State School no in the records you will find letters from the teachers, and student attendence records etc.. Kerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 6:36 PM Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far No not yet Di, wondered if they were held in Melbourne. I was going to email her tonight . If anyone knows where the school records are held I would love to find out and ask my research chap to have a look for me. I guess PRO would be a good start? regards Denise ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dianne Carroll" <highcountryheritage@dodo.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 6:31 PM Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi Denise, > Christine Watson would be the only thought - but I suppose you already > tried > her??? > > Di > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM > Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > > >> Hi all, >> >> I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records >> for > 1867? >> >> If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that > Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. >> >> Denise >> >> >> > >

The 50pp notes extracted from PRO series mentioned below, of Gippsland Mining leases, sounds from its description as to this length to be my own notes emailed to a few people in times past. However it is not complete as I state in my introduction and contains records that were primarily to my own interest as selected. Also it is not of "mining claims" which are in another series and typically begin a mite earlier than the leases. Damien Hynes Eltham ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kerry" <kerryb@austarnet.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [HC] Re Shipping Lists. >I would really appreciate a copy if possible thanks Bev, as I need sveral > names. > > Thanks heaps Kerry > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Bev Walker" <bbwalker@vic.chariot.net.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2004 10:24 PM > Subject: RE: [HC] Re Shipping Lists. > > > Kerry, it seems to be leases with names and places mentioned. What are > you looking for. I can have a look now as I have it on screen. > I have it as an attachment, somewhat lengthy. I could try to send > it if you want. Will need an approx date if you want me to look. > Bev > > -----Original Message----- > From: Kerry [mailto:kerryb@austarnet.com.au] > Sent: Saturday, 2 October 2004 9:54 PM > To: AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [HC] Re Shipping Lists. > > > Thanks Bev, > > thats great gives me the Public Records no of the series. Is it mainly > minutes or is it registration of claims and sluices with peoples names. > > Kerry > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Bev Walker" <bbwalker@vic.chariot.net.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2004 9:38 PM > Subject: RE: [HC] Re Shipping Lists. > > > Denise, Beats swimming!!!!!!!!!! > > I have a "mining leases Gippsland" Selected extracts: PRO > series 7842/P1. A very long document, 48 pages and has > mentions of Crooked River in it. If it helps, someone > was good enough to send it to me some time ago.1865 seems > to be the earliest date. > Bev >

Hi Denise, The school records I have viewed at the PRO are the 'building files' and the 'correspondence files'. It is just a matter of pure luck as to what they contain eg. Hillsborough files has lots of names and birthdates of pupils, as they were looking at closing the school. Bruarong has lots of day to day dramas, as a crazy parent kept writing in with trivial complaints. I have found newspaper clippings (sent in to back up an argument), original doctors certificates, all sorts of really interesting and relevant stuff. On other occasions I've drawn a complete blank. Ronda ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi all, > > I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records for 1867? > > If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. > > Denise >

Ray I will try tomorrow. Thank you so much Denise ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joan" <joanmck@cv.quik.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 9:55 PM Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi Denise, > Have you tried the Education History Unit? if not here is > the > phone > number (03) 96372818. They are very helpful, and if they don't have the > records > there they will try and locate them for you, best of all just the cost of > the phone call. > Cheers Ray. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Denise <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM > Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > > >> Hi all, >> >> I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records >> for > 1867? >> >> If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that > Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. >> >> Denise >> >> >

Hi Denise, Have you tried the Education History Unit? if not here is the phone number (03) 96372818. They are very helpful, and if they don't have the records there they will try and locate them for you, best of all just the cost of the phone call. Cheers Ray. ----- Original Message ----- From: Denise <denisem@powerup.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi all, > > I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records for 1867? > > If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. > > Denise > >

No not yet Di, wondered if they were held in Melbourne. I was going to email her tonight . If anyone knows where the school records are held I would love to find out and ask my research chap to have a look for me. I guess PRO would be a good start? regards Denise ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dianne Carroll" <highcountryheritage@dodo.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 6:31 PM Subject: Re: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi Denise, > Christine Watson would be the only thought - but I suppose you already > tried > her??? > > Di > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> > To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM > Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > > >> Hi all, >> >> I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records >> for > 1867? >> >> If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that > Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. >> >> Denise >> >> >> > >

Hi Denise, Christine Watson would be the only thought - but I suppose you already tried her??? Di ----- Original Message ----- From: "Denise" <denisem@powerup.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 5:09 PM Subject: [HC] So near and yet so far > Hi all, > > I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records for 1867? > > If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. > > Denise > > >

Hi all, I am wondering if anyone has ever accessed the Chiltern School records for 1867? If I can access these records then I can prove once and for all that Susie, daughter #4 of Hiram was born in the US that year. Denise

Is this my Uncle Des Culhane in Wangaratta, you got the info from, his daughter Nerida has been doing some genealogy. Firstly yes the original was Michael Culhanes then became their daughters Mrs Costello (there was two house.) Next bit I have never heard of also the Good Hope Battery was up near Grant (no where near Myrtleford) The last of the children left 30 odd years after Michael had died. Next bit is correct Thomas stayed on with his mother and Maurice at the house, as Tom never married until he was 40. Maurice Joseph born May 04, 1886 not 1890, Maurice took over because Tom was working with Paddy Duane over the Myrtleford side bringing cattle up to the plains. Kerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dianne Carroll" <highcountryheritage@dodo.com.au> To: <AUS-VIC-HIGH-COUNTRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 12:06 AM Subject: Re: [HC] Mining Kerry, The info I got was from Des Culhane, Graham Spaul, and David Guy - all bits a pieces which I am trying to make sence out of. I have sorted most of the early stuff out from what you sent. Can you delete or correct what is wrong here. - I am confused as to who had what - I know the Hut was known as Costellos for some time, but in reality it was still Culhanes????? How many houses/huts were built here? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to get it right. In the 1890s Thomas (1871-1950), their eldest son took on the property across the river, known as "The Island" - the land situated between the Crooked River and the Wongungurra River. He had 17 packhorses and carted the quartz from the Good Hope Mine to the battery which was situated at Myrtleford. On his return trip he would bring supplies back to Crooked River. Is this right In 1905, when Michael passed away most of the children had left Crooked River, some going to Stratford / Sale area, Johanna married went to Ensay and several went to Myrtleford. After his death, his widow Mary took in borders to enable her to make ends meet. The borders were most of the crew from the Crooked River Dredge and paid £-/12/- per week. There were three shifts working on the dredge, three men working each shift. Tom and the youngest brother (this was a typo - I knew) Maurice "Maurie" Culhane (1890-1943) who was 19 when his father died continued to live in the house with their mother. Tom tendered to "The Island" and continued his 'packing service' whilst Maurie took over running the original property. In c1920 Mary moved to Stratford and it believed she lived with son Patrick until her death in 1925. (Patrick never married) Thomas married Amy Ellen and after the birth of their first four children, moved to Myrtleford in 1925. They went on to have another seven children. Maurie continued farming the property until the early 1930s, when he moved to Sale. He married Greta McCormack in 1947, but sadly died 30 days after his marriage. By 1934 only relics the homestead remained. After the Maurie Culhane left, Albert Stout, store keeper of Talbotville worked the paddocks for some years. Culhanes was taken over by Alex "Sandy" Traill c1942, and owned Howittville. In c1960 this hut was erected by the Forestry Commission to enable the workers, building the road, to have a base camp. In c1965 Graham Spaul had purchased the property, which followed a dispute with Sandy Traill as to who owned it. Graham won and later bought out Sandy Traill's Howittville property. Dates here need confirmation - maybe Lands Office? - Sources gave estimates In 1999 Graham sold both properties and the lease to a syndicate of ten including Andrew Keys and Johanna Allen. The Culhane family contributed immensely to the Crooked River region, yet the family has been forgotten with time. Michael was laid to rest at the Talbotville Cemetery and his headstone is the only link to say the Culhane's were even in the area. That was until the hut that stands today was built in c1960. Fortunately oral history has lived long enough to retain the name of the property owned by Culhane's, and because this hut was erected on the same sight as the original home, it has adopted the name of Culhane's Hut, and rightly so.

Kerry, The info I got was from Des Culhane, Graham Spaul, and David Guy - all bits a pieces which I am trying to make sence out of. I have sorted most of the early stuff out from what you sent. Can you delete or correct what is wrong here. - I am confused as to who had what - I know the Hut was known as Costellos for some time, but in reality it was still Culhanes????? How many houses/huts were built here? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to get it right. In the 1890s Thomas (1871-1950), their eldest son took on the property across the river, known as "The Island" - the land situated between the Crooked River and the Wongungurra River. He had 17 packhorses and carted the quartz from the Good Hope Mine to the battery which was situated at Myrtleford. On his return trip he would bring supplies back to Crooked River. Is this right In 1905, when Michael passed away most of the children had left Crooked River, some going to Stratford / Sale area, Johanna married went to Ensay and several went to Myrtleford. After his death, his widow Mary took in borders to enable her to make ends meet. The borders were most of the crew from the Crooked River Dredge and paid £-/12/- per week. There were three shifts working on the dredge, three men working each shift. Tom and the youngest brother (this was a typo - I knew) Maurice "Maurie" Culhane (1890-1943) who was 19 when his father died continued to live in the house with their mother. Tom tendered to "The Island" and continued his 'packing service' whilst Maurie took over running the original property. In c1920 Mary moved to Stratford and it believed she lived with son Patrick until her death in 1925. (Patrick never married) Thomas married Amy Ellen and after the birth of their first four children, moved to Myrtleford in 1925. They went on to have another seven children. Maurie continued farming the property until the early 1930s, when he moved to Sale. He married Greta McCormack in 1947, but sadly died 30 days after his marriage. By 1934 only relics the homestead remained. After the Maurie Culhane left, Albert Stout, store keeper of Talbotville worked the paddocks for some years. Culhanes was taken over by Alex "Sandy" Traill c1942, and owned Howittville. In c1960 this hut was erected by the Forestry Commission to enable the workers, building the road, to have a base camp. In c1965 Graham Spaul had purchased the property, which followed a dispute with Sandy Traill as to who owned it. Graham won and later bought out Sandy Traill's Howittville property. Dates here need confirmation - maybe Lands Office? - Sources gave estimates In 1999 Graham sold both properties and the lease to a syndicate of ten including Andrew Keys and Johanna Allen. The Culhane family contributed immensely to the Crooked River region, yet the family has been forgotten with time. Michael was laid to rest at the Talbotville Cemetery and his headstone is the only link to say the Culhane's were even in the area. That was until the hut that stands today was built in c1960. Fortunately oral history has lived long enough to retain the name of the property owned by Culhane's, and because this hut was erected on the same sight as the original home, it has adopted the name of Culhane's Hut, and rightly so.

Hi Kerry, You have a wealth of information - from my understanding, the 20 acres mentioned is the land that Culhanes Hut sits on today - have you a date for the letter you quoted? and also who it was to - assuming the Lands Title Office I am currently researching 88 huts and by gee - it can get confusing, especially trying to track down people that know. I am sure you would be aware that Johanna ended up in Ensay. Thanks for your assistance - the Culhanes have been missed in documented history, and I want to ensure the family is recognised in my report and the history of the hut that carries their name. Regards Dianne