Hills History
Hills History
Hills History — Early Steam Traction Engines in the District
First steam traction engine in the region bought around 1910 by “Cocky” Davis of “The Pine”.
Hills History — September 1893 Ball at Argile and 1916 American Tea
A grand ball at Argile woolshed in 1893 and an American Tea fundraiser in 1916, transcribed from old newspapers.
Hills History — The 1893 Ball at Argile and 1916 American Tea
Newspaper extracts from 1893 and 1916 showing community life in the Pleasant Hills district.
Hills History — Allenby Austin Francis Brown, RAAF
The story of Allenby Brown, a RAAF coast watcher on a remote island during WWII, as told by his son Noel Brown on a recent visit to Pleasant Hills.
Hills History — The Gollasch Family of Pleasant Hills
Fiona Beckett researches the life of Mathew Gollasch and the history of the local Lutheran cemetery.
Hills History — The Literary Institute Bazaar of 1921
Fiona Beckett explores the history of the Pleasant Hills Hall, once known as the Literary Institute, and its 1921 fund-raising bazaar.
Hills History — Memories of Indian Hawkers
Oriel Ridge shares vivid memories of Indian Hawker Gunda Singh visiting her family farm in the early 1940s.
Hills History — Progress Association and Early School Days
Fiona Beckett explores reports from 1897 to 1928, covering school growth and local celebrations.
Hills History — Business Notebooks and Childhood Clubs
Fiona Beckett reflects on historical business gifts and childhood memberships like the Gould League.
Hills History — The Mailman's Courageous Trip in the 1934 Floods
Recounting Mr L Klemke's rough mail run through 10 inches of rain in January 1934.
Hills History — Indian Hawkers and Relocated School Buildings
A look back at the traveling hawkers of 1910 and the history of the Urangeline East Primary School building.
Hills History — Women’s Sports and the 1949 Football Discovery
Exploring the long history of women's sport in Pleasant Hills, including a newly discovered 1949 football team photo.
Hills History — A Visit to the Mundawaddera Historic Woolshed
A look back at the history of Mundawaddera Station and its impressive Oregon Pine woolshed, standing since the 1880s.
Hills History — Early Days of the Pleasant Hills District
Historical notes on the early settlement and development of Pleasant Hills and surrounding areas.
Hills History — Remembering Greg Anderson and Local Infrastructure Tales
A tribute to football legend Greg Anderson and stories of local landmarks, from the Urangeline East Store to new oval improvements.
Hills History — Merridong: The First Private Residence and the Arrival of Radio
A history of 'Merridong', the first private house in Pleasant Hills built in 1894, and a schoolboy's recollection of hearing the first wireless broadcasts in the Haberecht living room.
Hills History — Letter to Max Hogg from Mr Everett Jelbart (Part 2)
The second part of a 1985 letter detailing the early history and establishment of 'Truro' and 'Rainbow'.
Hills History — The Pleasant Hills Rifle Club
Fiona Beckett explores the history of the Pleasant Hills Rifle Club, formed in 1936.
Hills History — The 'Truro' Property and Rifle Club Trophies
A look at the history of the 'Truro' property and an update on the Pleasant Hills Rifle Club trophies.
Hills History — 1886 Shearing Contract Rules
A fascinating look at the strict rules and regulations for shearers in 1886.
Hills History — CWA Branch History
A history of the Pleasant Hills CWA Branch from its formation in 1936.
Hills History — Pleasant Hills Police Station Part 1
A historical look at the establishment and eventual closure of the Pleasant Hills Police Station.
Hills History — Rifle, Hockey, and Cricket Clubs of the Past
A look back at the Pleasant Hills Rifle Club, Kookaburra Hockey Club, and Cricket Club history.
Hills History — Vale Bruce Trethowan (1935–2024)
Remembering Bruce Trethowan, a lifelong farmer, sportsman, and community member of Walbundrie and Urangeline.
History — National Service and the Nashos of Pleasant Hills
Fiona Beckett explores the history of National Service in Australia and honors local Nasho Ellis Jelbart.
History — 1917 Send-off for Trooper Billy Dorman
A look back at the Pleasant Hills community send-off for Trooper J.E. (Billy) Dorman in June 1917.
Hills History — Goodbye to Ron Wooden and Jim Banner
Fiona Beckett remembers local identities Ron Wooden and Jim Banner, and updates on the Pleasant Hills football club research.
Hills History — The Impressive Wallandool Shearing Shed
A history of the Wallandool Station shearing shed, once one of the largest in the area.
Hills History — The Preschool Building and the UFWG
Fiona Beckett traces the history of the Preschool building, originally the United Farmers and Wool Growers Association room.
Hills History — The Pleasant Hills Football Club
Fiona Beckett explores the history of the local football club, from the 1920 premiership to the slope of the recreation reserve.
Hills History — The Esplanade and Owen Dunlop
Fiona Beckett explores the history of the Esplanade and the legacy of former head teacher Owen Dunlop.
Hills History — The Esplanade and 50 Years of Pre-School
A look back at the history of The Esplanade, the contribution of Owen Dunlop, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Pre-School.
Esplanade Update — Footpath Completion
The granite footpath through the Eastern third of the Esplanade has been completed.
Hills History — The Lindner Dray at Greens Gunyah Museum
Fiona Beckett traces the history of a 1923 dray built for H.E. Lindner of Pleasant Hills.
Hills History — The Four Corners and County Boundaries
Exploring the history of the four stations that met at Pleasant Hills and how miners avoided taxes.
Hills History — F.H. Harberecht: The Blacksmith and 'Father of Pleasant Hills'
The life of Fred Harberecht, whose blacksmith business helped develop the farming district of Pleasant Hills.
Hills History — Munyabla Tales and Local Records
Fiona Beckett uncovers historical snippets of Munyabla and Pleasant Hills from late 19th-century newspapers.
A Trip of a Lifetime — 1175 km in a 1960 Deutz Tractor
Kerry Pietsch and Peter Roberts travel to Mudgee for the National Vintage Rally in a 1960 Deutz tractor.
Pleasant Hills Esplanade — Enhancing Our Grassy Box Woodland
Fiona Beckett updates the community on the $100,000 funding for the Esplanade project and upcoming public consultation.
Hills History — Ron Wooden’s Journey from Marrar to Sydney
A continuation of Ron Wooden's story, detailing his family's move to Pleasant Hills and his early career at the chaff mill.
Vale Rodney Cox — 1942–2023
A tribute to Rodney Eric Cox, who served as Caretaker and Postal Manager at the Pleasant Hills Hotel for many years.
Hills History — Ron Wooden’s Childhood in Pleasant Hills
Fiona Beckett interviews Ron Wooden, who grew up in Pleasant Hills in the 1940s and 50s before a 40-year career in the NSW Fire Brigade.
Hills History — Railway Station and Trainline (Part 2)
The history of the Pleasant Hills railway station and its vital role in the community.
Hills History — A Record of Tidy Towns Success
A look back at the many awards Pleasant Hills has received for its community spirit and heritage conservation.
Hills History — The 17th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps
An investigation into the history of the Volunteer Defence Corps and the local men who served.
Hills History — Pleasant Hills' Very Own Queens: A Centennial Look at Village Royalty
A look back at the historic Queen competitions in Pleasant Hills, from the first coronation in 1916 to the record-breaking Literary Institute bazaar in 1921.
Hills History — Jottings from Henty's Early Settlers and Exploits of Bushranger Morgan
A historical look at the founding of Henty, the derivation of its name, and early challenges faced by settlers in the late 1800s.
Hall News — New Fence Installation and AGM Election Results
The Pleasant Hills Hall committee completes the installation of a new metal fence and elects office bearers for the coming year.
Hills History — Evolution of the Pleasant Hills Fire Brigade Equipment and Sheds
A comprehensive look at the history of fire-fighting equipment in Pleasant Hills, from 1930s hand pumps to modern Isuzu tankers.
Hills History — May 1937 News: Housewarmings, Birthdays, and Choir Presentations
A look back at the local news from May 1937, including the re-erection of the Pleasant Hills bakery and community farewells.
Introducing Mr & Mrs Gale — A Historic Wedding at Leeton
Marie Jacobsen and Tim Gale were married in Leeton, featuring multi-generational family heirlooms and a historic car with 55 years of family history.
Hills History — The Story Behind Spurrells Road and Charlie Spurrell
Exploring the history of Spurrells Road and the life of Charles Henry 'Charlie' Spurrell, a WWI veteran and popular local figure.
ANZAC Day 2022 — Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Pope Speaks at Hall Service
Pleasant Hills welcomed 81 attendees to the 2022 ANZAC Day service, featuring guest speaker Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Pope.
Hills History — Friedrich Karl Fischer: Machine Gunner and POW
The story of Pleasant Hills local Fred Fischer, who served as a machine gunner in Malaya and survived three and a half years in Changi Prison.
Heritage Rail — Paterson Rail Motor Society’s Riverina Tour
A vintage 1961 Rail Motor visited the Riverina recently, bringing heritage rail enthusiasts to The Rock, Junee, and Tim Fischer Park.
ANZAC Day 2022 — Commemoration and Morning Tea at the Hall
Pleasant Hills prepares for the annual ANZAC Day service at the Hall, followed by a community morning tea.
Hills History — Robert Rand (Part 2): The Million-Pound Pastoralist
New research clarifies the life and legacy of Robert Rand, owner of Urangeline Station, who died in 1894 leaving a massive estate.
Hills History — The Urangeline Station and Robert Rand
A deep dive into the history of the Urangeline Station, its owner Robert Rand, and the massive 75-stand woolshed that once processed hundreds of thousands of sheep.
Hills History — Tennis Popularity in the 1930s
A look back at the immense popularity of tennis in the region nearly a century ago, with hundreds attending tournaments.
Hills History — A Circle of Schools
Fiona Beckett explores the history of the many small schools that once operated within a 20km radius of Pleasant Hills.
A Remarkable Story — The Cobargo Timber Jack
The incredible tale of a tractor that 'saved itself' during the devastating Cobargo bushfires.
Hills History — Mail Routes and Early Postmasters
Fiona Beckett traces the history of mail delivery in Pleasant Hills, from horse-drawn gigs to the current post office.
Hills History — Memories of the Hall and the 1992 Ball
Fiona Beckett shares memories from a 1992 program, highlighting the hall's significance and its celebrated dance floor.
Hills History — The Pleasant Hills Band and Community Spirit
Fiona Beckett explores the early days of community gathering and the central role of the Pleasant Hills Band.
Hills History — Remembering World War 2 Veterans
Following the publication of 'Henty's Heroes', a new effort is underway to document and display photos of World War 2 veterans at the Pleasant Hills Hall.
Hills History — The Hall of Many Names
A history of the Pleasant Hills Hall, from its origins as a Mechanic’s Institute to the arrival of electricity in 1958.
Hills History — The Day the School Children Held Up the Steam Train
A look back at Easter 1986 when Pleasant Hills school children staged a mock train robbery on a visiting steam train.
Hills History — The Story of Cyril Johnson
A research feature on Cyril Johnson, a WWI veteran laid to rest in the Mundawaddery Cemetery.
Hills History — 1933 Football Meeting and the Bogged Banker
Historical snippets from April 1933, including football club challenges and a lucky escape for a bogged bank official.
Hills History — 1913 Tennis Ball and New Year Sports Day
A look back at the successful 1913 Tennis Ball and the plans for the 1913 New Year's Sports Day.
Dales IGA — Celebrating 60 Years in Business
A look back at the 60-year history of Dales IGA in Henty, following its anniversary celebrations in November.
Hills History — Snippets from 1894 to 1934
A collection of historical reports covering local harvests, school presentations, and letters from WWI.
History — Closure of St Terence’s Catholic Church Urangeline
A historic farewell to St Terence’s Catholic Church as it officially closes after over 130 years of service.
Hills History — The Wallandool Connection to the Kelpie
Exploring the history of Jack Gleeson and the breeding of the first Kelpie puppies in the Riverina.
Hills History — Morgan, Man of Many Names (Part 2)
The conclusion of Dan Morgan's elusive career, from the ambush of magistrate Henry Bayliss to his eventual capture in Victoria.
Hills History — Ian McGee Obituary and Memorial Announcement
The community remembers Ian McGee, a dedicated local who championed 'Tidy Towns' status.
Hills History — Morgan: Man of Many Names (Part 1)
Part 1 of a series exploring the early life and folklore of the bushranger Dan Morgan.
Hills History — Morgan Re-visits Wallandool (1864-1865)
A historical account of the bushranger Morgan's activities at Wallandool station.
Hills History — Recreation Reserve Gazette (1913) and Trotting Stallion Kentucky (1912)
Historical records of the recreation reserve and a successful local trotting stallion.
Hills History — Mammoth Casket Win (1939) and A Little Boy’s Pluck (1912)
Fascinating local history snippets including a major lottery win in 1939.
Hills History — Obituary of Mr Charles Gale (1951)
A look back at the life of Charles Gale, a well-known Pleasant Hills identity who passed in 1951.
Hills History — The Wool Season and a Bumper Crop in 1921
A look back at the 1921 wool season, featuring a rare photograph of a wagon accident near the Pleasant Hills Railway Station.
Hills History — Railway Station and Trainline (Part 2)
The history of the Pleasant Hills railway station, its construction by returned soldiers in 1918, and its vital role in the community.
Hills History — 1918-1920: Bank, Police, and Railway Milestones
Key milestones in Pleasant Hills history include the opening of the bank in 1918, the police station in 1919, and the railway in 1920.
Hills History — 1916: Street Name Changes and Hotel Opening
In 1916, many street names in Pleasant Hills were changed to remove German sounding names during wartime hysteria.
Hills History — 1914: War Hysteria and Name Changes
During the First World War, many Australian towns with foreign or German names were forced to change them due to mass hysteria.
Hills History — Lockhart Shire and the Literary Institute 1906-1912
Tracing the early days of Lockhart Shire Council and the opening of the Pleasant Hills Hall.
Hills History — Public School Opening and Telephone Exchange 1891
Looking back at the rapid growth of the public school and the arrival of the telephone exchange in 1891.
Hills History — St John’s Lutheran Church and Early Education
Recalling the construction of St John’s in 1888 and its use as a school.
Hills History — German Migrants and the Lutheran Congregation
Tracing the arrival of the first German families in the Pleasant Hills district in 1883.
Hills History — The First Village Map and Name Changes
A look back at the proclamation of Munyabla and its eventual change to Pleasant Hills.