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.

Alick BROWN and Sidney KIRKLAND in sulky

Alick BROWN and Sidney KIRKLAND in sulky (Photo: Shirley TUNNICLIFF)

Photo c.1920's
The photo is taken down near the railway line at Rylstone, possibly near where the goods shed is now.
The two men in the sulky are Alick BROWN with the reins in his hand and Sid KIRKLAND.

Source: Shirley TUNNICLIFF

Mural in Bridge View Inn

When the Rylstone and District Historical Society purchased the building in 1967 no one was aware of the existence of the mural.

The painting on the wall was rediscovered during restoration work in the 1980’s. At that stage the mural’s origin was unclear.

In 2010 the Historical Society engaged art specialists from International Conservation Services to investigate. They found an aged, faded, cracked and damaged mural at risk of further deterioration or permanent loss, and recommended conservation and restoration. With funding assistance from the NSW Government, an appeal set up by the National Trust, and huge support from the local community, the Historical Society was able to employ International Conservation Services to undertake the work during 2012 and 2013.

Research shows that the allegorical figures in the mural are all associated with drinking and with love - racy but appropriate imagery to decorate the walls of a Victorian hotel in an era of booming gold fields.

Ref: Virginia Hollister

Cpl A.G. KIRKLAND (Athol Goodwin)

2604 Cpl A.G. KIRKLAND (Athol Goodwin)
Presented to Mr and Mrs A. KIRKLAND from their Pinnacle Swamp friends
Born 19-1-1895
Enlisted July 1916
Sailed 16-11-1916
A.T.S. Port Napier
Killed in Action 5-4-1918 at Villiers Bretonneux
B COY, 34th BATT, 9th Brigade AIF
For King, For Country
Ref: Portrait in Cottage Museum, Rylstone
____________

Kirkland, Athol Goodwin
Number: 2604
Rank: Corporal [Cpl]
Unit: 4th Bn
Service: Army
Conflict1914-1918
Date Of Death: 03/04 1818
Memorial Panel:124
Memorial Details: 26 Villers Breonneux - France
Place of Enlistment: Rylstone, NSW
Notes:KIRKLAND, Cpl. Athol Goodwin, 2604 .34tg Bn. 3rd/5th April, 1918.
Son of Andrew and Mary Clara Kirkland, of Oakborough, Rylstone New South Wales.
Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Army

Armstrong, Alfred William - War Service in South Africa

Ref: http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/imagine.asp?B=677822&I=1&SE=1

James ‘Roy’ George and Catherine Mary Montgomery - Wedding photo in 1925

James ‘Roy’ George and Catherine Mary Montgomery

James "Roy" GEORGE was the son of Benit William GEORGE and Matilda (née DYSON).
James was always known as Roy.
He was one of the fortunate to survive the trenches at Flanders, and by the time he and Catherine met he was back in Kandos.
Ref: Of Pioneer Stock by Cathy Hill

Newspaper advertisement

Photo: RDHS Wikii

Newspaper article in the They Say section where it states Tom Glew is doing good work with his reaper and binder.
Ref: RDHS Wiki

Reaping advertisement

Photo: Rylstone Express 11 December, 1897

In December 1897 an advertisement appeared in the Rylstone Express. T Glew's threshing machine was available to cut all kinds of crop at the shortest possible notice (Rylstone Express, 11 December, 1897).
Ref: RDHS Wiki

Breakfast Creek home

Photo: Gloria Welsh collection

Photo taken 1984

Cecil (Pop) Brown

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Cecil (Pop) Brown was also known as Willie

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Cecil (Pop) Brown

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Cecil (Pop) Brown was also known as Willie

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Priscilla Brown

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Priscilla Brown, married Abbott, sister to Cecil Brown

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Mrs Bright

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Mrs Bright-withgranddaughter-Pat Lewis?

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Ferguson women

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Ferguson women, Rebecca holding Janet, Evelyn in front holding book, Emily & Flora at "Hillside".

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Ada Ferguson (née Farrar), married to Sam

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Sam Ferguson with horses

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Charlie Bayliss-with Charlie Mulholland's rams

Photo: Shirley Tunnicliff collection

Source: Shirley Tunnicliff

Blanch Isobel BAYLISS

Blanch BAYLISS (Photo: Shirley TUNNICLIFF)

Blanch Isobel BAYLISS (1893-1917) in sulky outside freezing works near Rylstone railway yards.

Note: Blanch's names are sometimes spelled as Blanche Isabel/le or variations thereof.

Source: Shirley TUNNLICLIFF

Helen Dunn

Photo: RDHS Photo collection

(Ellen) Mrs Benson
Ref: RDHS

Shay locomotives on the Wolgan Valley railway

Photos: ASHET News October 2014

The railway is approximately 50 km long, linking with the western line of the NSW Railways at Clarence Junction in the Blue Mountains. It mainly follows the course of the valley hemmed in by precipitous cliffs.

The choice of locomotives was an important issue. No locomotives in Australia at the time would be suitable for regular use on the line. Engineer-in-Chief for railway construction in NSW, Deane found that there were several designs of locomotive in service in Europe and North America that could meet the requirements. His preference was for the American Shay locomotive which had several desirable features: it had great hauling power, because the whole of its weight, both engine and tender, were available for adhesion; unlike conventional locomotives it was geared, so a very even turning force was applied of the wheels and it was able to start easily on the ruling grade; it had a very short rigid wheel base which enabled it to traverse very sharp curves; the length of the boiler tubes was very short, a little over 3 m, so the difference of the water in the boiler level in the boiler on steep grade was not serious. Its only disadvantage was that to avoid excessive vibration, speed must be limited to around 25km per hour. The Shay locomotive was a unique design with three cylinders vertically mounted beside the boiler, which was offset from the centre line of the locomotive. An articulated shaft and gears transmitted the power to all the wheels on the locomotive and tender.

Ref: ASHET News October 2014

Certificate of Freedom for John Davis

Photo: RDHS collection

H.M.S. Midas, with 145 male prisoners arrived Sydney Cove 15th February, 1827, Jas, Beigrie, Master, 148 prisoners embarked, 3 died on voyage.
Ref: NSW Archives, Mitchell Library

John Davis

Photo: RDHS collection

Known as John 'Ginghi' Davis
Married Eliza Harris
Ref: RDHS

Eliza Davis

Photo: RDHS collection

Eliza Davis (née Harris)
Ref: RDHS

John & Ellen Farrer Wedding photo

Photo: RDHS collection

Groom: John Farrer (1882-1931)

Bride: Ellen Margaret (née Staff) (1884-1960)
Bridesmaid: Elsie Mulholland
Ref: RDHS

Doris Welsh and daughter, Edith

Photo: RDHS Photo Collection

Doris Welsh is the daughter of Nathaniel Taylor and Ellen ( née Perram)
Ref: RDHS

Lloyd Bossley and Elizabeth Dunn's wedding

Lloyd Bossley and Elizabeth Dunn's wedding

Photo: RDHS Photo Collection

L-R. Girl sitting in front Bena Grady (daughter of Ads & sister To Unice) Rev. Walker's Daughter, Esme Dunn (Jack's mother) Standing Jack Southwell (married to Ina) groom sitting: Lloyd Dunn, standing Bride Elizabeth (Sissie) Dunn, Francis Hilton Dunn (standing. He owned Olinda), Sitting in centre Ina Dunn, With Flowers on hat Ada Rebecca Dunn née Howe, Elderly man Francis J. Dunn Father of all. Lurline Esabella Dunn m: Les Mills, Rev. Walker's second daughter in photo.

Rev. Walker was the celebrant.

Source: Wal Pilz