The She Oak Log - Story of Charles Hervey Bagot's ploughing a track from his Kapunda Copper Mine, aided by a She Oak Tree felled and used as a ploughshare. South Australia

**Text of this plaque was taken from a newspaper account published 24 June 1872.

 

Bailliere’s South Australian Gazetteer and Road Guide of 1866 reports the following:-

Sheoak (County Light) is a postal township in the hundred of Nuriootpa and electoral district of Light. It is situated about 4½ miles N of the Gawler River, and is supplied with water by several good wells. The district is an agricultural (wheat growing) one, and there is a copper mine about 3½ miles distant ESE.

 

The nearest places are Rosenthal [later Rosedale] 4½ miles S: Daveystown 5 miles E: Freeling 5 miles NE: and Roseworthy railway station 5 miles NW: the only communication being by private conveyances along bush roads. With Adelaide the communication is by road to Gawler, and thence by rail, the entire distance being 35 miles.

 

There are 2 general stores in the township, also a post office, a land agency, and 1 hotel – the Sheoak Log.

 

The surrounding country in a circle having a radius of 5 or 6 miles is undulating, with several flat plains, the rises being very slight. The soil is very rich, and admirably adapted to the cultivation of cereals. The geological formation is basaltic, there being large beds of limestone found in numerous parts. The population numbers about 200 persons, and the number of dwellings is about 50.

 

*An interesting Lecture was delivered on the16th Sept, on Phrenology, by Mr Walter Pattison, in aid of the School Funds. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 1-10-1864]

 

*The school premises here, being in want of some necessary repairs, and the tank commenced some time ago being in an unfinished state, on Friday evening, 14th ult, Mr Fawcett delivered a most interesting lecture on Astronomy, illustrated by diagrams, on behalf of the school trust, when, notwithstanding the wet state of the weather, there was a full house, and the lecturer was listened to with marked attention, although some of the juveniles, before the conclusion, left the room and amused themselves outside with fireworks, so that all seemed pleased with the evening's entertainment. Mr Fawcett also intended to give his audience a peep through the telescope, at the starry skies, which was however prevented by the clouds. The proceeds, £2 lls 6d was handed over for the school trust, and with a vote of thanks to the lecturer the meeting broke up. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 5-11-1864]

 

*Ploughing Match

The above match took place on Thursday, 14th instant, in a paddock belonging to Mr John Grace, about half a mile to the north-east of the Sheaoak Log Hotel.

There was a large number of spectators on the field, including not a few of the gentler sex.

The entries were fewer than was expected, as only eight ploughs started altogether, including two of Mr Boemke's three-furrow ploughs, for which prizes were offered. [Ref: South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide SA) 23-9-1865]

 

*On Wednesday evening, July 10, the Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters, No 4,918, Court Bushman's Hope, was duly opened at the She-Oak Log Hotel, by DCR William Haines.

The Brothers then adjourned to the dinner-room, to partake of the excellent repast, provided by Host and Brother Coxell. [Ref: South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide SA) 22-7-1867]

 

*Impoundings (From the South Australian Government Gazette May 15)

King’s Belt (nearest Post Office, Sheaoak Log), Alfred Job, Poundkeeper – Five red and white heifers, and two young bulls, no brand visible. Will be sold June 23, noon. [Ref: The Irish Harp and Farmers’ Herald (Adelaide SA) 16-5-1873]

 

*On Sunday last anniversary services in connection with the Shea Oak Wesleyan Sunday school were celebrated. The church proved to be much too small to accommodate the numerous visitors who, to the extent of about fifty were unable to obtain admission.

 

The song service was much enjoyed, and would have been greatly more so but for the presence of a number of unwelcome, larrikins from Gawler, who— some inside of the sacred building and some outside — conducted themselves in a most disgraceful manner. Forming themselves into a band - they circumambulated the church roaring out now a song and then a hymn. Then they varied their amusement by drawing up in front of the church and going through as much military drill as they knew how: and then again they would listen to the reader inside and shout “hear, hear!” to the interruption of the enjoyment of the congregation and the evident enhancement of their own. It is hoped they will visit Shea Oak Log on similar occasions no more, as their presence can very well be dispensed with. [Ref: Burra Record (SA) 22-9-1885]

 

*Gawler June 11. Mr John Stirling, an old and highly-respected resident of Sheaoak Log, died on Wednesday last. The deceased gentleman came to South Australia 48 years ago, and resided at Hawkhead farm, Sheaoak Log, for 40 years. He was born in Glasgow, and was 73 years of age at the time of his death. He was an auditor of the District Council of Nuriootpa for a number of years, and was also deputy returning-officer at Sheaoak Log. [Ref: Chronicle (Adelaide SA) 19-6-1897]

 

*War Funds – SA Soldiers’ Fund – Shea Oak Log District Hall Fete £2 10/-. [Ref: The Advertiser (Adelaide (SA) 22-2-1916]

 

*On Monday, April 25th Anzac Day quite a large crowd (school children included) assembled at the little Sheaoak Log School to witness the unveiling of an Honour Roll, which had been procured by the School Committee some months ago. The members for the district had been invited to attend, and folk were pleased to see Messrs McLachlan and Robinson come along at the appointed time.

 

It was remarked by more than one of the speakers that although the number of names on the roll was small (three) perhaps more credit was due to these three because it is naturally much easier to make one of a crowd than to enlist alone.

 

The school children sang “O, God, our Help in Ages Past”, “The Soldiers' Farewell,” and ''Song of Australia”, accompanied by Mr E Lienert on the violin. The unveiling was performed by Mrs A Kuhlmann. Afternoon tea, provided by the parents, was partaken of and cheers given for all who had helped make the function a success. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 6-5-1921]

 

*A well attended concert and dance arranged by the School Committee was held in the local Hall on Friday, September 29th, in aid of school funds. Mr E Lienert (chairman of the committee) presided.

Supper, provided by the parents, was then partaken of after which dancing began. [Ref:; Bunyip (Gawler SA) 6-10-1922]

 

*April 18—On Monday April 13, in the district hall, a kitchen tea was tendered Miss Cilla Ahrens prior to her marriage. Her many friends felt that they could not let her leave the district, where she has won respect and esteem as postmistress, and in general service, without a farewell gathering. Between 70 and 80 people assembled, and indulged in games and competitions. Miss Ahrens received many useful presents. [Ref: Observer (Adelaide SA) 2-5-1925]

 

*Obit – Mr Ernst August Lienert of Shea Oak Log, near Freeling, whose death took place recently, was born on April 27th, 1856 at Shea Oak Log.

Mr Lienert had farmed at Shea Oak Log until his death, thus being 74 years in the same district.

He took a great interest in the Gomersal Lutheran Church, and was an elder for 40 years, and a lay-reader for 30 years. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 23-1-1931]

 

*Obit – Mr Stephen Booker, of Cameron Street, Gawler, who died on August 5th, was an old and highly respected resident, formerly of Shea Oak Log. He was born in Kent, 87 years ago, and arrived in the "Mayflower" with his parents, on January 23rd, 1853. Mr Booker was engaged in farming at Shea Oak Log, until advancing years and failing health caused him to retire, and he moved to Gawler about nine years ago. Mr Booker was continually associated with the Shea Oak Log Methodist Church from the laying of the foundation stone for sixty years. He held every office possible for a lay-reader to hold in connection with the church, lay-reader, steward, treasurer, and superintendent of the Sunday School. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 28-8-1931]

 

*First Bureau Social at Sheaoak Log

Practically all parts of Barossa district were represented at the first annual social of the Women's Bureau at Sheaoak Log on Wednesday evening. 250 people attended, and the District Hall was packed to the doors.

After supper, the area was cleared, and dancing was to music supplied by Mr D Hannaford. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 23-8-1935]

 

*A social evening conducted by the Women's Branch of the Sheaoak Log Branch of the South Australian Agricultural Bureau was held in the Sheaoak Log Hall. The Branch president, Mrs Bowden extended a hearty welcome to the many members and visitors present.

A collection taken for the funds of the Sheaoak Log Red Cross Circle amounted to £4 13/-.

A home-made supper was served by ladies of the branch, and a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr T Shanahan to all who had assisted in the presentation of such an enjoyable evening. A dance followed, the music being supplied by Mr Nat Roberts. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 29-8-1941]

 

*The Shea Oak Log School picnic was held on Saturday, October 17, in Mr C Schuster's scrub, near Freeling. It was the eleventh occasion that the picnic has been held in this ideal spot which is 3½ miles out of the town. Events were held for children and adults.

A book was donated to each scholar and these prizes were presented by Mrs F Lemmey.

 

Head teacher, Mr F P Lemmey, thanked all those who had helped to make the picnic such a success.

The Chairman of the School Committee, Mr E A Lienert, thanked Mr Schuster for the loan of the ground. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler SA) 23-10-1942]

 

Done