Hills History — F.H. Harberecht: The Blacksmith and 'Father of Pleasant Hills'

F.H. Harberecht (1866–1930)

Fred Harberecht was born in Angaston, South Australia, and moved to Jindera at age 17 to work in his father's blacksmith business. After learning the trade, he began his own business, first in Henty and later in Pleasant Hills.

The Harberecht Blacksmith shop was essential to the development of the Pleasant Hills farming district. In the era of horse-drawn farming, his business built garden scarifiers, ploughs, wagons, sulkies, and buggies. At its peak, the shop employed up to fourteen men, including a full-time painter.

A Pillar of the Community

Fred was instrumental in bringing a branch of the Bank of NSW to the village, renting them office space in his blacksmith buildings from 1918 until 1942. He was also an outstanding rider of the penny-farthing bicycle and served as the Secretary of the Railway League, which successfully campaigned for the Henty to Rand Railway.

Fred held many community roles, including Trustee of the Common, Treasurer of the Presbyterian Church Committee, and Treasurer of the School of Arts (Pleasant Hills Hall). He was regarded by many as the "Father of Pleasant Hills."

Family Legacy

Fred married Janet Crawford in 1895 at "Argyle," the Crawford family home at Urangeline. Their home in Crawford Street, Pleasant Hills, was named "Merridong." Fred passed away in 1930, but his legacy remains a vital part of our local history.

Fiona Becket, Hills History