Old Images of Rylstone District

This site was established by Wal Pilz (1927-2016) to share historical information depicted in photos and images of old scenes of the Rylstone District. Wal's belief was that sharing history was the best way to create a living history for Rylstone and the surrounding district. In Wal's memory, the site will continue to operate as an online database and you are invited to contribute images and information. Please comment or email Dan Hatton at oldimagesrylstonedistrict@gmail.com.

"Brooklyn", Running Stream

"Brooklyn"

Photo: Brooklyn collection

View from the North-East c. 1912.

From the left you can see The Cottage (originally the toll house at the bottom of Cherry Tree Hill), at the rear the large Packing Shed (later refrigerated), to the front the Meat House, then the Kitchen and on the right the Homestead with the chimney on the end.

All buildings are still standing.

Ref: Sandy Sim

Land Clearing at "Brooklyn", Running Stream

Photo: Brooklyn collection

Horace and Leo Sim land clearing at "Brooklyn", Running Stream c.1905.

They are pushing out a ring-barked Ribbon Gum tree, with a Trewhella jack.

Ref: Sandy Sim

"Brooklyn" Orchard

Photo: Brooklyn collection

Richard Sim Snr in the Apple orchard, "Brooklyn" c. 1910.

Ref: Sandy Sim

Entrance Drive to "Hiawatha". Running Stream

Photo: Kevin Gale collection

Entrance Drive to "Hiawatha". Running Stream - Walter Leighton driving, 1905-06.

"Hiawatha" was the stone home built by David Robert Howard and his wife Eliza Anne (nee Staff) at Running Stream on the hill to the south of the Running Stream Union Church. The Howards lived at Running Stream for 23 years on the first orchard in Running Stream before moving to Lisarow near Gosford where they established a citrus orchard.

Eliza Ann Staff b 23 Mar 1856 was the daughter of James Samuel Staff b 1 Oct 1825 and Mary Ann (Chaplain)and Grand daughter of John Foreman Staff b. 25 Feb 1802. John Foreman Staff arrived in Austalia from the UK on "Denmark Hill" in 1821. The ship was owned and captained by his uncle Capt. John Foreman.

Ref: Kevin Gale

Marriage Invitation, Howard - Brannigan, 1935

Photo: Kevin Gale collection

Marriage Invitation - Myrtle Howard to Fred Brannigan, 1935.

Ref: Kevin Gale

V R Howard's Hut, Running Stream

Photo: Kevin Gale collection

V R Howard's Hut - Horse Spider saddled - photo taken 1905.
Victor Robert Howard b.1882 came to Running Stream in 1890 with his parents David Robert Howard and Eliza Anne (nee Staff) and lived at "Hiawatha".
In 1898 aged 16 VR Howard made his own selection on Por 142 and built a slab hut and lived in it for 3 years before building the stone house at "Knoyle" which he moved into when he married Alice Leader in 1907.

Ref: Kevin Gale