First Exploration of Carey Bay

Prior to moving permanently to Carey Bay in 2017 I took to the internet to see what I could find about people from Carey Bay. I was delighted to find several snippets on Trove. 

What I found sparked my curiosity about the people and places of Carey Bay and eventually led to my setting up this One Place Study. 

Following is a copy of that post from 11 April 2017

Mr GeniAus and I are preparing for our permanent move to Carey Bay near Toronto, NSW. We have been dividing our time between our Sydney house and there. As one does I started thinking about the people who had lived in Carey Bay. I turned to Trove to learn about some of them.

Firstly I found a photo of Miss Ethyl Thompson but due to copyright restrictions I cannot publish it. You can view it here: http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/15506519.

In the Government Gazette I found a notice of Bankruptcy.

1925 'IN BANKRUPTCY.', Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), 21 August, p. 3715. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223015674

 There were several notices relating to probate and estates.

1987 'IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Notice of intended distribution of estate.—Any person having any claim upon the', Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), 19 June, p. 3135. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231679490

There were also several mentions of local folk in the newspapers. The good news is that I found a photo of Ethyl in the newspaper.

1949 'No title', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 22 June, p. 2. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158289073

1924 'CAREY BAY.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 16 April, p. 9. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139492442

1954 '£6000 Win To Carey Bay', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 14 September, p. 14. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163296599

1949 'Pensioner Found Dead in Tent', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 8 January, p. 8. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158239718

1934 'TO-DAY'S ACCIDENTS', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 23 November, p. 7. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166298335

1934 'Calder-Smith—Tingle', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 12 July, p. 7. , viewed 07 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165055537

It seems as though the people from our neighbourhood are typical of  Australians all around our country.

Carey Bay Zoo

This post first appeared on my GeniAus blog in 2017. I am repurposing it here as it is relevant to my One Place Study.

Trove Tuesday - Local Zoo

It appears that there was once a zoo very close to our new home. Since doing some investigating I have discovered that the old zoo site now houses a caravan park. Naturally I turned to Trove to learn more about this site.

CAREY BAY MAN PLANS
TO DEVELOP ZOO
ON the waterfront at Carey Bay, "Bimbimbie"--a place of many birds--is being developed into a miniature zoo by its owner, Mr. Brown. 

"Two years ago my doctor told me that unless I gave up heavy work I wouldn't live 12 months. I came out here, and plan within 10 years to develop a zoo that the district will be proud of," said Mr. Brown.
He has many birds in modern cages, constructed so that people can move among them. Water sprays
keep the birds cool in hot weather. A large duck pond enables the public to view the swans and ducks
at close range.

Natural conditions of birds have been studied by Mr. Brown. He is developing his zoo along these lines,
and has had remarkable results in breeding birds and animals which normally do not breed in captivity.
Most of the big birds and animals have been named after children who frequent the zoo. There is "Joey"
the emu, "James" and "Sheila" the kangaroos, and "Percy" the duck. "Percy" is a popular identity. re-
ferred to as the "talking duck." He can quack "hullo," and when re-quested bows courteously. "Percy"
has no objection to children nursing him.

A variety of pheasants have been bred by Mr. Brown, who has also been successful in breeding scrub tur-keys. A peculiar feature about the male scrub turkey is that, after allow-ing the female bird to build the large mound of earth, 5ft. high, in which she lays the eggs he keeps her off the mound. If the mound is dis-turbed, he promptly scratches the dirt and sticks back into original positions.

One of Mr. Brown's peacocks can display a 6ft. span of bright colours. Authorities have said it is one of
the finest peacocks they have seen Some of the birds and animals were given to Mr. Brown by people who appreciated his hobby and desire to establish a zoo.

Snake Got Away. A friend ill the country recently sent him a 12ft. carpet snake. but it escaped when children left the cage door open.

"Bimbimbie" is visited by people from Newcastle district and travel-lers. At holiday times nearly a hun-
dred people have been on the prop-erty at the same time. "I plan to build a jetty and a picnic shelter, surrounded by lawns and shrubs, on the 95ft. frontage to the Lake, with the cages and animal enclosures sheltered by trees, and sur-rounded by gardens," said Mr. Brown.

A large aquarium, with a "harbour" bridge across it, will be built on a space already allocated. Material has arrived for a monkey carge, and steps have been taken to secure a strip of timbered country for use as a koala enclosure. "Many people have offered to assist by providing birds and animals. and I hope to import some. If I can set the foundation for a zoo in this dis-trict. and give pleasure to the people,
I will be happy," said Mr. Brown.

1946 'LAKE SANCTUARY FOR BIRDS, ANIMALS', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 19 January, p. 5. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140607009



1948 'CAREY BAY ZOO', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 23 March, p. 4. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134324732


1951 'OBITUARY', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 20 February, p. 4. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139502446


1953 'Social Calendar', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 27 May, p. 10. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160488623




1953 'MONKEY BITES BOY'S FINGER', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 25 August, p. 2. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134278936




1954 'To-day's Topics', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 20 December, p. 2. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134086324

Following the passing of Thomas Brown the zoo was taken over by Mr Reg Ward. 


1954 'To-day's Topics', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , 16 January, p. 2. , viewed 02 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134908561

Centenarians

As I have been working through the Ryerson Index to identify deaths of Carey/Cary Bay residents I noticed an interesting trend. 

Many Ryerson entries include the date of death of those listed. Of the 1183 records with death dates from 1905 to 2024 I examined, I found that 457 entries did not include a death date. I was surprised to discover that 309 residents did not pass away until in their 80's and another 237 lived into their nineties. 

I was astonished to find that 14 centenarians took their last breath in Carey Bay. While I would like to think that this is due to the environment in our village I have a strong suspicion that it is because, until recently, many of these people spent their last years in the Nursing Home at the Anglicare Carey Bay Retirement Village in Laycock Street. While the nursing home facility is currently closed the 31 two bedroom self contained villas provide accommodation for seniors.

A perusal of the entries indicates that many of those listed were formerly residents of other local suburbs.

Following is a list of  the fourteen Carey Bay centenarians I found via the Ryerson Index. I would love to hear from anyone who can add to the stories of these 12 women and two men.

1. Ann Jane Bull - Died 26-Jul-1974, aged 104
   
   
2. John Eastlake - Died 1-Dec-2003, aged 102
   
   
3. Margaret Aylwin (Peg) Liver - Died 25-Sep-2005, aged 101
   
   
4. Thelma Burleigh Bear - Died 30-Apr-2007, aged 100
   
   
5. Marjorie Doreen Roberts - Died 22-May-2009, aged 102
   
   
6. Barbara Owen - Died 22-Jun-2009, aged 102
   
   
7. Vera Maud Craze - Died 27-Aug-2011, aged 100
   
   
8. William Robert (Bill) Daniels - Died 10-Oct-2012, aged 103
   
   
9. Isobel Jean Mathieson - Died 2-Mar-2014, aged 103
   
   
10. Marjorie Anne Mears - Died 4-Nov-2016, aged 100
    
    
11. Muriel Evans - Died 25-Sep-2017, aged 101
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/258278658/muriel-evans
    
    
12. Betty May Dean - Died 11-Oct-2019, aged 100
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/247807555/betty-may-dean
    
    
13. Lorna Gloria Bissett - Died 27-Apr-2020, aged 103
    
    
14. Colleen Iona Stronach - Died 13-Jan-2024, aged 101

Checking in

Over the past few weeks I have been focusing my attention on the people of Carey Bay. Using the resources at hand I have been using birth, burial, death, electoral, marriage, newspaper and probate records for the people I believe had a Carey Bay connection. 

While I have made minor additions to this site my focus had been on research.

I thought it would be fun to share a post from my personal blog here on Carey Bay 2283. One of the blessings from living in this location is our lake which provides us with many stunning vistas.

Following is a copy of that post

24 August 2021

On the anniversary of our move to Carey Bay I can report that the only clouds over our decision to leave the Big Smoke for our spot on the Lake are the amazing assortment of clouds we view from our new living room and deck.

I hadn't previously thought much about clouds but, with our unrestricted view of the lake and sky, I have become a keen observer. It doesn't matter whether it is rain, hail or shine there is beauty in every cloud that comes into view.

Lulu visits Carey Bay

Many visitors to Carey Bay don't set foot on our shores, they arrive and leave on various water craft.

Our latest visitor is a flash new sailing vessel, Lulu, who has spent the last few days in Carey Bay. As she is not on a permanent mooring I presume she's just visiting.

Lulu at anchor in Carey Bay

Lulu wears her name proudly

Dorothy Muriel Henson

Our focus for today is a teacher and headmistress who, in her later years, resided at Carey Bay. 

In 1941 Dorothy found herself as a witness in a court case

1941 'IN THE COURTS', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 3 March, p. 2. , viewed 29 Aug 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167427831 

"The war years brought some changes for both staff and pupils. A Social Services Club formed by Miss Henson, made clothes, knitted socks and scarves, cooked and raised money for the war effort. This was a fine example of the school giving expression to its motto of ‘Service’.  The geography of Newcastle meant that there was a real danger of attack and so preparations were made. The school gained a stretcher, a first aid kit and an air raid trench in the grounds. Regular air raid drills were conducted, and everyone had to practice walking home in case an attack crippled the public transport system."
https://www.centraltohunter.com/history/newcastle-central-domestic-science-school/

1947 'Home Science Principal To Retire', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 31 October, p. 8. , viewed 29 Aug 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134229011

1947 'Miss D. Henson Feted On Eve Of Retirement', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 23 December, p. 8. , viewed 29 Aug 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158780983 

Individual Facts  Dorothy Muriel  Hanson
Birth	28 Oct 1889	New South Wales, Australia
Occupation	1925 (about age 36)	Mistress; Newcastle Central Public School, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Residence	1930 (about age 41)	23 Barton Street, Mayfield, New South Wales, Australia
Residence	17 Apr 1950 (age 60)	Carey Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Occupation	17 Apr 1950 (age 60)	Headmistress; Newcastle Home Science School, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Residence	1977 (about age 88)	21 Brighton Avenue, Toronto, New South Wales, Australia
Death	27 Sep 1977 (age 87)	Carey Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Cremation	aft 27 Sep 1977 (after age 87)	Newcastle Memorial Park, Beresfield, New South Wales, Australia
Alt. Name		D Henson

References

References: Dorothy Muriel Henson 

Birth

NSW Birth Registration : HENSON DOROTHY M 5984/1889 JOSHUA B EMILY B ASHFIELD

Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Teachers’ Rolls, 1869-1908 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.
     
Name      
Dorothy M Henson        
Age      
19        
Birth Date      
28 Oct 1889        
Employment or Appointment Year      
1908        
Residence Place      
New South Wales, Australia  

Occupation (1925): Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Public Service Lists, 1858-1960 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
State Records Authority of New South Wales; Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia; Returns of the Colony; Series: NRS 1286; File: Public Service Lists (Blue Books); Reel: 3617

Residence (1930): Ancestry.com. Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

Residence (17 April 1950): http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140642415

Occupation (17 April 1950): 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140642415
https://www.centraltohunter.com/newcastle-home-science-high-school/

"The end of 1947 saw the departure of Miss Dorothy Henson, the longest serving headmistress of this school, having served in this capacity at Newcastle Central Domestic since 1933 a total of 24 years; "

Residence (1977): Ancestry.com. Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.
Original data: Australian Electoral Commission. [Electoral roll].

Death (27 September 1977)

NSW Death Registration
HENSON DOROTHY MURIEL 106321/1977 JOSHUA BINNINGTON EMILY BERNARD 101
     
Sydney Morning Herald 28SEP1977   Ryerson Index      

HINSON      Dorothy M      Death notice     27SEP1977      Death    87       
at Carey Bay Hospital, Toronto      

Cremation (after 27 September 1977): 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/193520296/dorothy-henson
Location of Ashes - E G W 15/1 B/89

Pamela Jessie Hopwood

Pamela Jessie Hopwood spent most of her life in Carey Bay and nearby suburbs of Toronto and Coal Point. The following article describes her wedding in Hamilton, a suburb of Newcastle.

1954 'WEDDING', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 22 September, p. 14. , viewed 18 Jul 2024, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163292180

BIOGRAPHY

	Name: Pamela Jessie Hopwood Sex: Female Father: Cecil Cameron Hopwood 1902-1985 Mother: Dora Mary Speering 1906-1994 Spouse: Norman Horne Birth: abt 1933 Marriage: Before 22 Sep 1954 Residence:  22 Jul 1954 (about age 21) Carey Bay, New South Wales, Australia Residence: 1963 (about age 30)  Toronto North, New South Wales, Australia1 Residence: 1980 57 Cary Street, Toronto, New South Wales, Australia Residence:  Before 30 Apr 2018 (before about age 85)  Coal Point, New South Wales, Australia Death: 30 Apr 2018 (about age 85) New South Wales, Australia Funeral:  7 May 2018 (about age 85)  Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Ryhope, New South Wales, Australia
NOTES Marriage: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163292180 Residence: 1980 Ancestry.com. Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

Death (30 April 2018): https://tributes.newcastleherald.com.au/obituaries/184897/pamela-horne/

HORNE (nee Hopwood) Pamela (Pam) Jessie Late of Coal Point
Passed peacefully
30th April 2018
Aged 85 years
Dearly loved wife of Norm (dec'd). Much loved Mother of Kerrie. Loving Grandmother to Sean, Erin, and Amie. Cherished Great Grandmother to Liam, Connor, Matilda, Jacob, Elodie, and Patrick.   
 
Funeral (7 May 2018): https://tributes.newcastleherald.com.au/obituaries/184897/pamela-horne/

The family and friends of Pam are warmly invited to attend a celebration of her life to be held in The Chapel of Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Cessnock Rd, Ryhope, this Monday 7th May 2018, service commencing at 11am.

EndNotes

1. Ancestry.com, Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 (Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Australian Electoral Commission; Canberra, Australia; Electoral Rolls.