Greenethorpe. The village was laid out and built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and labouring workers on the estate. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe once the village was established. The state Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The township survives with around 120 residents and its churches, the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. To keep the town alive it began an ex farm house rental scheme to bring families to the town. Weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was laid out and built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and labouring workers on the estate. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe once the village was established. The state Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The township survives with around 120 residents and its churches, the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. To keep the town alive it began an ex farm house rental scheme to bring families to the town. Weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe.

George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was laid out and built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and labouring workers on the estate. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe once the village was established. The state Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The township survives with around 120 residents and its churches, the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. To keep the town alive it began an ex farm house rental scheme to bring families to the town. Weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was laid out and built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and labouring workers on the estate. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe once the village was established. The state Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The township survives with around 120 residents and its churches, the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. To keep the town alive it began an ex farm house rental scheme to bring families to the town. Weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

  

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

  

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe.

George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

  

Greenethorpe. The village was laid out and built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and labouring workers on the estate. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe once the village was established. The state Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The township survives with around 120 residents and its churches, the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. To keep the town alive it began an ex farm house rental scheme to bring families to the town. Weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was laid out and built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and labouring workers on the estate. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe once the village was established. The state Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The township survives with around 120 residents and its churches, the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. To keep the town alive it began an ex farm house rental scheme to bring families to the town. Weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses.

 

Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres was sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties in the west before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their diary property in 1887. Greene established his own village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers he contracted to work his lands. He started with just one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. To go with his village George Greene needed a castle like a medieval lord of the manor. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms and castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried here. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School for those aged 15 to 18 took in first time offenders in the criminal justice system. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974. The next owner was David Morris who restored the castle and more recent owners are Rod and Bev Kershaw. Iandra castle is thus one of the most unusual and surprising heritage properties in Australia.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

  

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

The casting on front plate shows:-

BENTALLS IMPROVED HEYBRIDGE MALDON ENGLAND,

This also appears cast into the face of the handwheel.

Judging by the cog wheel ratios it is quite low geared.

It seems that most cottagers have taken to displaying ancient farming implements in their front gardens to further the sense of times gone by for the visitors.

Those blades on the wheel spokes look lethal. I suspect many farm labourers lost fingers or even a hand in them.

IMG_5734

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

The Bentall CXB Chaff Cutter.

Casting on front plate shows:-

BENTALLS IMPROVED HEYBRIDGE MALDON ENGLAND,

This also appears cast into the face of the handwheel.

Judging by the cog wheel ratios it is quite low geared.

It seems that most cottagers have taken to displaying ancient farming implements in their front gardens to further the sense of times gone by for the visitors.

IMG_5735

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

  

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

A farmer sitting next to his Hand Operated Chaff Cutters.

Location: Tijara, Alwar, Rajasthan, India

or a beet cutter possibly!

 

One of the essential farm tools from times past, this one sits sedately outside the farm shop.

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Built c1865 for Charles Augustus Bleechmore as 7-roomed house named “Woodlands” on 10 acres of land taken up 1864. Property transferred to Joseph Edwin Bleechmore and Charles & George Smith (George owned adjacent land). Transferred 1870 to George Church, ironmonger, who added hall, drawing & dining rooms with bay windows. Sold in 1884 to William Edward Ford who set up a dairy & poultry farm for his clients at his York Hotel. Transferred 1886 to Williamina, wife of Norman William Stirling. Later John Morris acquired the property, renaming it “Berwick”. After he left for Europe it was leased & later purchased by Matilda Hardman, widow of James. After her death 1900, the property, still 10 acres, was occupied by her sister Miss Catherine (Kate) Howard and named “Dixacres” (dix = ten). The house, by then 11 rooms, purchased 1916 by Harold White Hughes & wife Ethel Margaret (Rita) and renamed “Gnangwea”. Excess land was subdivided for housing. Hughes’ property was purchased 1974 by City of Unley as public park & became community centre 1982.

 

“BLEECHMORE-WHITE — [Married] On the 14th September, at the residence of the bride's father, by licence by the Rev. C. W. Evan, B.A, Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of Woodlands, Fullarton, to Sarah Ann, second daughter of Mr. George White, Rosefield, Fullarton.” [Register 15 Sep 1865]

 

“BLEECHMORE.— [Birth] On the 24th August, at Woodlands, Fullarton, the wife of Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of a son.” [Register 25 Aug 1866]

 

“To be Let on Lease, for a term of Years, Woodlands, Fullarton, adjoining: Mr. G. White's Property. The House, which has been built two years, contains Seven Rooms, Two Underground Rooms, and Bathroom. There are 10 Acres of Land, all enclosed; Garden of one and a half Acres, front and back of House. The Fruit Garden is 12 years old; the remainder in Paddocks. There is a Stone Cottage of Two Rooms in Garden, with Stable, Gig Shed, and other Outbuildings. For particulars, apply to. . . Mr. C. Bleechmore, on the premises.” [Express & Telegraph 1 May 1867 advert]

 

“Mr. C. A. Bleechmore (who is removing to Norwood to commence business) to sell, at his residence, Fullarton. . . A Quantity Household Furniture and Effects, 2 Excellent Cows, Dray, Chaffcutter, &c.” [Advertiser 24 May 1867 advert]

 

“CHURCH.— [Died] On the 9th November, at Port Adelaide, Kate Hannah, the beloved wife of George Church, Fullarton, aged 28 years.” [Advertiser 6 Dec 1872]

 

“Mr. George Church has improved the appearance of his residence at Fullarton by the addition of a drawing-room, 22 feet by 18 feet, dining-room, 24 feet by 18 feet, and an entrance hall. There is a large bay window to each of the rooms, with a wide verandah breaking round the bays, giving the whole building a very pleasing effect. The improvements were also designed by the Hon. Thomas English, and were carried out by Mr. Matthias White at a cost of £1,050.” [Register 12 Jan 1876]

 

“CHURCH - HYNDMAN.— [Married] On the 2nd August, at St. George's Church, Woodforde, by the Rev. A. Honner, George Church, of Fullarton, to Lavinia Hyndman, of Felixstow, Payneham.” [Evening Journal 5 Aug 1880]

 

“The exhibits of the evening were, however, two large panicles of Catalpa syringaefolia. . . has drooping trumpet-shaped flowers, is a native of North America, and is said to grow to a height of 60 feet. The flowers are of a violet-purple color, and emit a scent which, although strong, is not altogether unpleasant. The branches are stated to be used in dyeing wool, which they stain a cinnamon color. The specimens under notice were said to have been obtained from a tree in the garden of Mr. George Church, at Fullarton.” [Advertiser 16 Oct 1885]

 

“Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel. . . the supply of fresh vegetables on days that were not ‘market’ days, fresh eggs, cream, and butter, and poultry, almost ad libitum (between sixty and seventy head being consumed weekly), Mr Ford determined to enter into the produce line himself. . . he procured premises 10 acres in extent at Fullarton. . . the dwelling-house first, because it is a handsome and spacious villa, where members of his family reside, and at the rear and sides of which are situated the dairy farm and poultry ‘ranch’. Entering a paddock on the south of the house we perceive a number of wire enclosures wherein are families of hens and chickens. . . in the same yard is a colony of ducks. . . some two or three hundred of these. . . Passing into another yard we find some special breeds, such as Malays and game. . . a big flock of full-grown fowls, geese, and turkeys. A fountain playing in a large pond in the centre supplies several hundred birds. . . Mr. Ford’s gardener has taken some seventeen prizes at shows for vegetables, flowers, and fruit. . . Besides the poultry, there are, as we have indicated, horses, cows, and pigs.” [Advertiser 15 Jan 1885]

 

“Removed From His Well-Known Poultry Farm at Fullarton. . . instructions from Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel, to sell by public auction. . . 32 (about) Pens of very high-class Prize Poultry, comprising —Buff Cochins, Dark Brahmas, Partridge Cochins, Dorkings, Light Brahmas, Peacocks, Aylesbury Ducks, Rouen Ducks, Toulouse Geese, American Turkeys, Game Fowls, White Turkeys.” [Advertiser 17 Jul 1885 advert]

 

“For Sale, Prize Berkshire Pigs. Apply W. E. Ford, York Hotel; or Wm. Harris, Gardener, Fullarton.” [Register 3 Oct 1885 advert]

 

“Berkshires to Melbourne.— A remarkably nice lot of pigs were sent away on Friday by the s.s. Konoowarra to Melbourne. They were bred by Mr. W. E. Ford, of Fullarton, from Mr. J. H. Angas's celebrated stock.” [Register 6 Feb 1888]

 

“Experienced Housemaid Wanted; references required; tram fares paid. Apply Mrs. J. Morris, 'Berwick’, Fisher-street, Fullarton-road.” [Advertiser 20 Mar 1890 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton. On account of leaving for Europe. The Whole of his Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . His well-known Pair Handsome Chesnut [sic] Carriage Horses, Hooded Wagonette, Pony-Carriage, Buggy, Golden Chesnut Pony, Pony-Cart, and Harness to match. The handsomest turnout in the colony. 2 Double Sets Silver-Mounted Harness. 2 Splendid Cows, both in milk. The Whole to be Sold Without any Reserve.” [Register 18 Jul 1894 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton.. . . The Balance of His Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . Passage. . . Breakfast-room. . . Bedroom No. 1. . . To be followed by Contents of Bedrooms No. 2 and 3, Library, Dairy, Kitchen, Servants' Bedroom, Scullery, Verandah, Washhouse, Backyard, Toolhouse, Office, Stable Utensils, Shadehouse.” [Advertiser 24 Aug 1894 advert]

 

“Mrs. Hardman gave an ‘At home’ at her residence, Fullarton, last Monday. The wet afternoon prevented the guests wearing spring costumes. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Victoria Buxton appeared for a short time, and were accompanied by Miss Buxton and Major Guise.” [Critic, Adelaide 6 Nov 1897]

 

“Wanted to Sell. . . Cow, hall Shorthorn, half Alderney, second calf, good, milker.— Coachman, Mrs. Hardman's, corner Fisher-street and Fullarton-road.” [Express & Telegraph 4 Dec 1897 advert]

 

“HARDMAN.— [Died] On the 5th March, at London, Matilda Hardman, late of Fullarton.” [Register 7 Mar 1900]

 

“news has been received by cable from London of the death of Mrs. Hardman. She left Adelaide by the steamer Ophir on November 2 with her sister, Miss Howard, and bad intended to return by the steamer Ortona, leaving London on March 30. . . Mrs. Hardman was the widow of the late Mr. James Hardman, well known as an officer of the Bank of South Australia.” [Evening Journal 6 Mar 1900]

 

“Miss Howard, of Dixacres, Fullarton, has arranged for a sale of her own gifts and the gifts of kind friends in the Mayor's Reception-room in the Town Hall on Friday at 3 p.m. Mr. Bruce will offer them for her by auction, and the proceeds will be for the starving Belgians.” [Express & Telegraph 13 Apr 1915]

 

“HOWARD.— [Died] On the 21st September, at her late residence, Dixacres, Fullarton, Catherine Howard, in her 84th year.” [Advertiser 22 Sep 1916]

 

“by auction in the Estate of the late Miss Catherine Howard, under instructions from the Executor (Mr F.C. Howard) — The family Residence, ‘Dixacres’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton, Eleven Rooms, Electric Light, and all conveniences. Extensive Modern Stabling, Gardener's Cottage, and Out-Buildings. The land immediately surrounding the Residence comprises about 2½ acres, divided into Flower Garden, Shrubbery, Orchard, etc. Also Immediately Adjoining, about 10 Acres of Fertile Land, Suitable for Subdivision.” [Advertiser 17 Oct 1916 advert]

 

“the property of the late Mrs Catherine Howard was submitted to auction at Brookman Buildings on Tuesday last. The residence known as ‘Dixacres’, containing 11 rooms, situated at the corner of the Fullarton-road and Fisher-street, together with gardener’s cottage, extensive stabling, and five acres of land, was sold to Mr. Harold Hughes.” [Advertiser 21 Oct 1916]

 

“Subdivision of the Balance of ‘Dixacres’ Estate, known as the property of the late Miss Catherine Howard. . . sell by auction. . . Twenty-Four Large Building Sites, with Frontages to Fisher Street, Cheltenham Street, and Roseberry Avenue. The electric tram stops at the corner of the estate.” [Register 12 Apr 1917 advert]

 

“Dixacres, Fullarton road, the residence of the late Miss Catherine Howard, which, was recently sold. . . to Mr. Harold Hughes, is situated in the midst of a large block of pasture land which the trustee (Mr. F. C. Howard) has decided to subdivide into 24 fine deep building sites, with frontages to Fisher street, Cheltenham road, and Roseberry avenue. These are to be sold at auction.” [The Mail 7 Apr 1917]

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Hughes are now residing at Fullarton Road, Fullarton.” [Critic, Adelaide 20 Jun 1917]

 

“HUGHES.— [Birth] On the 29th August, at ‘Gnangwea’, Fullarton-road, the wife of Harold W. Hughes — a son.” [Chronicle 7 Sep 1918]

 

“The foundation stone of the new church of St. Chad's, Fullarton, was placed in position on Saturday afternoon, by Mrs. Harold W. Hughes. . . The new edifice, which is designed to accommodate 150 worshippers, is located in Rosebery avenue.” [Register 13 Sep 1920]. [Church destroyed by arson 1990, demolished & replaced 1992]

 

“generosity of Messrs. Harold Hughes and Peter Waite and Miss Famie Thomas and other residents, who had contributed liberally to the funds.” [Advertiser 13 Sep 1920]

 

“St. Chad's Church of England, Fullarton, will hold its annual fete and continental on the grounds of Mr. Harold W. Hughes, Fullarton-road, Fullarton, on Saturday. . . Electric light will illuminate the grounds in the evening, and a first-class musical programme will be provided.” [Advertiser 30 Oct 1923]

 

“Mrs. Harold Hughes gave a party at her home at Fullarton to the women's committee of the Church of England Boys' Home, Walkerville.” [The Mail 6 Apr 1929]

 

“Gnangwea (Pronounced Nangway, when the Hughes family made their first head station after taking up Booyoolie in 1843.” [Laura Standard 20 May 1932]

 

“an ‘Olde English Fayre’ held in Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Hughes's grounds at Fullarton on Saturday in aid of St. Chad's Church, Fullarton, building fund. . . About 2,000 people attended and £623 was raised.” [Advertiser 8 Mar 1948]

 

“HUGHES.— [Died] On December, 11, at his residence 126 Fullarton road, Fullarton, Harold White, dearly beloved husband of Rita Hughes and loving father of Tim, Alfred and Eleanor. In his 94th year.” [Advertiser 14 Dec 1954]

 

“By the passing on of Mr. Harold White Hughes at Fullarton a trio of well known big men physically and in sheep and cattle station parlance, has disappeared. His brothers were Herbert White Hughes and Edgar Bristow Hughes, of Athelney, Hackney. They were, associated with Booyoolee station when it comprised 200 square miles. . . Kinchega, on the Darling (3,000 square miles); Nockatunga, south-western Queensland. . . Kara, Broken Hill district. . . The meat canning industry here was started at Booyoolee, where at one time 14,000 to 16,000 sheep were shorn.” [Advertiser 17 Dec 1954]

 

Built c1865 for Charles Augustus Bleechmore as 7-roomed house named “Woodlands” on 10 acres of land taken up 1864. Property transferred to Joseph Edwin Bleechmore and Charles & George Smith (George owned adjacent land). Transferred 1870 to George Church, ironmonger, who added hall, drawing & dining rooms with bay windows. Sold in 1884 to William Edward Ford who set up a dairy & poultry farm for his clients at his York Hotel. Transferred 1886 to Williamina, wife of Norman William Stirling. Later John Morris acquired the property, renaming it “Berwick”. After he left for Europe it was leased & later purchased by Matilda Hardman, widow of James. After her death 1900, the property, still 10 acres, was occupied by her sister Miss Catherine (Kate) Howard and named “Dixacres” (dix = ten). The house, by then 11 rooms, purchased 1916 by Harold White Hughes & wife Ethel Margaret (Rita) and renamed “Gnangwea”. Excess land was subdivided for housing. Hughes’ property was purchased 1974 by City of Unley as public park & became community centre 1982.

 

“BLEECHMORE-WHITE — [Married] On the 14th September, at the residence of the bride's father, by licence by the Rev. C. W. Evan, B.A, Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of Woodlands, Fullarton, to Sarah Ann, second daughter of Mr. George White, Rosefield, Fullarton.” [Register 15 Sep 1865]

 

“BLEECHMORE.— [Birth] On the 24th August, at Woodlands, Fullarton, the wife of Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of a son.” [Register 25 Aug 1866]

 

“To be Let on Lease, for a term of Years, Woodlands, Fullarton, adjoining: Mr. G. White's Property. The House, which has been built two years, contains Seven Rooms, Two Underground Rooms, and Bathroom. There are 10 Acres of Land, all enclosed; Garden of one and a half Acres, front and back of House. The Fruit Garden is 12 years old; the remainder in Paddocks. There is a Stone Cottage of Two Rooms in Garden, with Stable, Gig Shed, and other Outbuildings. For particulars, apply to. . . Mr. C. Bleechmore, on the premises.” [Express & Telegraph 1 May 1867 advert]

 

“Mr. C. A. Bleechmore (who is removing to Norwood to commence business) to sell, at his residence, Fullarton. . . A Quantity Household Furniture and Effects, 2 Excellent Cows, Dray, Chaffcutter, &c.” [Advertiser 24 May 1867 advert]

 

“CHURCH.— [Died] On the 9th November, at Port Adelaide, Kate Hannah, the beloved wife of George Church, Fullarton, aged 28 years.” [Advertiser 6 Dec 1872]

 

“Mr. George Church has improved the appearance of his residence at Fullarton by the addition of a drawing-room, 22 feet by 18 feet, dining-room, 24 feet by 18 feet, and an entrance hall. There is a large bay window to each of the rooms, with a wide verandah breaking round the bays, giving the whole building a very pleasing effect. The improvements were also designed by the Hon. Thomas English, and were carried out by Mr. Matthias White at a cost of £1,050.” [Register 12 Jan 1876]

 

“CHURCH - HYNDMAN.— [Married] On the 2nd August, at St. George's Church, Woodforde, by the Rev. A. Honner, George Church, of Fullarton, to Lavinia Hyndman, of Felixstow, Payneham.” [Evening Journal 5 Aug 1880]

 

“The exhibits of the evening were, however, two large panicles of Catalpa syringaefolia. . . has drooping trumpet-shaped flowers, is a native of North America, and is said to grow to a height of 60 feet. The flowers are of a violet-purple color, and emit a scent which, although strong, is not altogether unpleasant. The branches are stated to be used in dyeing wool, which they stain a cinnamon color. The specimens under notice were said to have been obtained from a tree in the garden of Mr. George Church, at Fullarton.” [Advertiser 16 Oct 1885]

 

“Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel. . . the supply of fresh vegetables on days that were not ‘market’ days, fresh eggs, cream, and butter, and poultry, almost ad libitum (between sixty and seventy head being consumed weekly), Mr Ford determined to enter into the produce line himself. . . he procured premises 10 acres in extent at Fullarton. . . the dwelling-house first, because it is a handsome and spacious villa, where members of his family reside, and at the rear and sides of which are situated the dairy farm and poultry ‘ranch’. Entering a paddock on the south of the house we perceive a number of wire enclosures wherein are families of hens and chickens. . . in the same yard is a colony of ducks. . . some two or three hundred of these. . . Passing into another yard we find some special breeds, such as Malays and game. . . a big flock of full-grown fowls, geese, and turkeys. A fountain playing in a large pond in the centre supplies several hundred birds. . . Mr. Ford’s gardener has taken some seventeen prizes at shows for vegetables, flowers, and fruit. . . Besides the poultry, there are, as we have indicated, horses, cows, and pigs.” [Advertiser 15 Jan 1885]

 

“Removed From His Well-Known Poultry Farm at Fullarton. . . instructions from Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel, to sell by public auction. . . 32 (about) Pens of very high-class Prize Poultry, comprising —Buff Cochins, Dark Brahmas, Partridge Cochins, Dorkings, Light Brahmas, Peacocks, Aylesbury Ducks, Rouen Ducks, Toulouse Geese, American Turkeys, Game Fowls, White Turkeys.” [Advertiser 17 Jul 1885 advert]

 

“For Sale, Prize Berkshire Pigs. Apply W. E. Ford, York Hotel; or Wm. Harris, Gardener, Fullarton.” [Register 3 Oct 1885 advert]

 

“Berkshires to Melbourne.— A remarkably nice lot of pigs were sent away on Friday by the s.s. Konoowarra to Melbourne. They were bred by Mr. W. E. Ford, of Fullarton, from Mr. J. H. Angas's celebrated stock.” [Register 6 Feb 1888]

 

“Experienced Housemaid Wanted; references required; tram fares paid. Apply Mrs. J. Morris, 'Berwick’, Fisher-street, Fullarton-road.” [Advertiser 20 Mar 1890 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton. On account of leaving for Europe. The Whole of his Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . His well-known Pair Handsome Chesnut [sic] Carriage Horses, Hooded Wagonette, Pony-Carriage, Buggy, Golden Chesnut Pony, Pony-Cart, and Harness to match. The handsomest turnout in the colony. 2 Double Sets Silver-Mounted Harness. 2 Splendid Cows, both in milk. The Whole to be Sold Without any Reserve.” [Register 18 Jul 1894 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton.. . . The Balance of His Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . Passage. . . Breakfast-room. . . Bedroom No. 1. . . To be followed by Contents of Bedrooms No. 2 and 3, Library, Dairy, Kitchen, Servants' Bedroom, Scullery, Verandah, Washhouse, Backyard, Toolhouse, Office, Stable Utensils, Shadehouse.” [Advertiser 24 Aug 1894 advert]

 

“Mrs. Hardman gave an ‘At home’ at her residence, Fullarton, last Monday. The wet afternoon prevented the guests wearing spring costumes. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Victoria Buxton appeared for a short time, and were accompanied by Miss Buxton and Major Guise.” [Critic, Adelaide 6 Nov 1897]

 

“Wanted to Sell. . . Cow, hall Shorthorn, half Alderney, second calf, good, milker.— Coachman, Mrs. Hardman's, corner Fisher-street and Fullarton-road.” [Express & Telegraph 4 Dec 1897 advert]

 

“HARDMAN.— [Died] On the 5th March, at London, Matilda Hardman, late of Fullarton.” [Register 7 Mar 1900]

 

“news has been received by cable from London of the death of Mrs. Hardman. She left Adelaide by the steamer Ophir on November 2 with her sister, Miss Howard, and bad intended to return by the steamer Ortona, leaving London on March 30. . . Mrs. Hardman was the widow of the late Mr. James Hardman, well known as an officer of the Bank of South Australia.” [Evening Journal 6 Mar 1900]

 

“Miss Howard, of Dixacres, Fullarton, has arranged for a sale of her own gifts and the gifts of kind friends in the Mayor's Reception-room in the Town Hall on Friday at 3 p.m. Mr. Bruce will offer them for her by auction, and the proceeds will be for the starving Belgians.” [Express & Telegraph 13 Apr 1915]

 

“HOWARD.— [Died] On the 21st September, at her late residence, Dixacres, Fullarton, Catherine Howard, in her 84th year.” [Advertiser 22 Sep 1916]

 

“by auction in the Estate of the late Miss Catherine Howard, under instructions from the Executor (Mr F.C. Howard) — The family Residence, ‘Dixacres’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton, Eleven Rooms, Electric Light, and all conveniences. Extensive Modern Stabling, Gardener's Cottage, and Out-Buildings. The land immediately surrounding the Residence comprises about 2½ acres, divided into Flower Garden, Shrubbery, Orchard, etc. Also Immediately Adjoining, about 10 Acres of Fertile Land, Suitable for Subdivision.” [Advertiser 17 Oct 1916 advert]

 

“the property of the late Mrs Catherine Howard was submitted to auction at Brookman Buildings on Tuesday last. The residence known as ‘Dixacres’, containing 11 rooms, situated at the corner of the Fullarton-road and Fisher-street, together with gardener’s cottage, extensive stabling, and five acres of land, was sold to Mr. Harold Hughes.” [Advertiser 21 Oct 1916]

 

“Subdivision of the Balance of ‘Dixacres’ Estate, known as the property of the late Miss Catherine Howard. . . sell by auction. . . Twenty-Four Large Building Sites, with Frontages to Fisher Street, Cheltenham Street, and Roseberry Avenue. The electric tram stops at the corner of the estate.” [Register 12 Apr 1917 advert]

 

“Dixacres, Fullarton road, the residence of the late Miss Catherine Howard, which, was recently sold. . . to Mr. Harold Hughes, is situated in the midst of a large block of pasture land which the trustee (Mr. F. C. Howard) has decided to subdivide into 24 fine deep building sites, with frontages to Fisher street, Cheltenham road, and Roseberry avenue. These are to be sold at auction.” [The Mail 7 Apr 1917]

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Hughes are now residing at Fullarton Road, Fullarton.” [Critic, Adelaide 20 Jun 1917]

 

“HUGHES.— [Birth] On the 29th August, at ‘Gnangwea’, Fullarton-road, the wife of Harold W. Hughes — a son.” [Chronicle 7 Sep 1918]

 

“The foundation stone of the new church of St. Chad's, Fullarton, was placed in position on Saturday afternoon, by Mrs. Harold W. Hughes. . . The new edifice, which is designed to accommodate 150 worshippers, is located in Rosebery avenue.” [Register 13 Sep 1920]. [Church destroyed by arson 1990, demolished & replaced 1992]

 

“generosity of Messrs. Harold Hughes and Peter Waite and Miss Famie Thomas and other residents, who had contributed liberally to the funds.” [Advertiser 13 Sep 1920]

 

“St. Chad's Church of England, Fullarton, will hold its annual fete and continental on the grounds of Mr. Harold W. Hughes, Fullarton-road, Fullarton, on Saturday. . . Electric light will illuminate the grounds in the evening, and a first-class musical programme will be provided.” [Advertiser 30 Oct 1923]

 

“Mrs. Harold Hughes gave a party at her home at Fullarton to the women's committee of the Church of England Boys' Home, Walkerville.” [The Mail 6 Apr 1929]

 

“Gnangwea (Pronounced Nangway, when the Hughes family made their first head station after taking up Booyoolie in 1843.” [Laura Standard 20 May 1932]

 

“an ‘Olde English Fayre’ held in Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Hughes's grounds at Fullarton on Saturday in aid of St. Chad's Church, Fullarton, building fund. . . About 2,000 people attended and £623 was raised.” [Advertiser 8 Mar 1948]

 

“HUGHES.— [Died] On December, 11, at his residence 126 Fullarton road, Fullarton, Harold White, dearly beloved husband of Rita Hughes and loving father of Tim, Alfred and Eleanor. In his 94th year.” [Advertiser 14 Dec 1954]

 

“By the passing on of Mr. Harold White Hughes at Fullarton a trio of well known big men physically and in sheep and cattle station parlance, has disappeared. His brothers were Herbert White Hughes and Edgar Bristow Hughes, of Athelney, Hackney. They were, associated with Booyoolee station when it comprised 200 square miles. . . Kinchega, on the Darling (3,000 square miles); Nockatunga, south-western Queensland. . . Kara, Broken Hill district. . . The meat canning industry here was started at Booyoolee, where at one time 14,000 to 16,000 sheep were shorn.” [Advertiser 17 Dec 1954]

 

Built c1865 for Charles Augustus Bleechmore as 7-roomed house named “Woodlands” on 10 acres of land taken up 1864. Property transferred to Joseph Edwin Bleechmore and Charles & George Smith (George owned adjacent land). Transferred 1870 to George Church, ironmonger, who added hall, drawing & dining rooms with bay windows. Sold in 1884 to William Edward Ford who set up a dairy & poultry farm for his clients at his York Hotel. Transferred 1886 to Williamina, wife of Norman William Stirling. Later John Morris acquired the property, renaming it “Berwick”. After he left for Europe it was leased & later purchased by Matilda Hardman, widow of James. After her death 1900, the property, still 10 acres, was occupied by her sister Miss Catherine (Kate) Howard and named “Dixacres” (dix = ten). The house, by then 11 rooms, purchased 1916 by Harold White Hughes & wife Ethel Margaret (Rita) and renamed “Gnangwea”. Excess land was subdivided for housing. Hughes’ property was purchased 1974 by City of Unley as public park & became community centre 1982.

 

“BLEECHMORE-WHITE — [Married] On the 14th September, at the residence of the bride's father, by licence by the Rev. C. W. Evan, B.A, Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of Woodlands, Fullarton, to Sarah Ann, second daughter of Mr. George White, Rosefield, Fullarton.” [Register 15 Sep 1865]

 

“BLEECHMORE.— [Birth] On the 24th August, at Woodlands, Fullarton, the wife of Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of a son.” [Register 25 Aug 1866]

 

“To be Let on Lease, for a term of Years, Woodlands, Fullarton, adjoining: Mr. G. White's Property. The House, which has been built two years, contains Seven Rooms, Two Underground Rooms, and Bathroom. There are 10 Acres of Land, all enclosed; Garden of one and a half Acres, front and back of House. The Fruit Garden is 12 years old; the remainder in Paddocks. There is a Stone Cottage of Two Rooms in Garden, with Stable, Gig Shed, and other Outbuildings. For particulars, apply to. . . Mr. C. Bleechmore, on the premises.” [Express & Telegraph 1 May 1867 advert]

 

“Mr. C. A. Bleechmore (who is removing to Norwood to commence business) to sell, at his residence, Fullarton. . . A Quantity Household Furniture and Effects, 2 Excellent Cows, Dray, Chaffcutter, &c.” [Advertiser 24 May 1867 advert]

 

“CHURCH.— [Died] On the 9th November, at Port Adelaide, Kate Hannah, the beloved wife of George Church, Fullarton, aged 28 years.” [Advertiser 6 Dec 1872]

 

“Mr. George Church has improved the appearance of his residence at Fullarton by the addition of a drawing-room, 22 feet by 18 feet, dining-room, 24 feet by 18 feet, and an entrance hall. There is a large bay window to each of the rooms, with a wide verandah breaking round the bays, giving the whole building a very pleasing effect. The improvements were also designed by the Hon. Thomas English, and were carried out by Mr. Matthias White at a cost of £1,050.” [Register 12 Jan 1876]

 

“CHURCH - HYNDMAN.— [Married] On the 2nd August, at St. George's Church, Woodforde, by the Rev. A. Honner, George Church, of Fullarton, to Lavinia Hyndman, of Felixstow, Payneham.” [Evening Journal 5 Aug 1880]

 

“The exhibits of the evening were, however, two large panicles of Catalpa syringaefolia. . . has drooping trumpet-shaped flowers, is a native of North America, and is said to grow to a height of 60 feet. The flowers are of a violet-purple color, and emit a scent which, although strong, is not altogether unpleasant. The branches are stated to be used in dyeing wool, which they stain a cinnamon color. The specimens under notice were said to have been obtained from a tree in the garden of Mr. George Church, at Fullarton.” [Advertiser 16 Oct 1885]

 

“Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel. . . the supply of fresh vegetables on days that were not ‘market’ days, fresh eggs, cream, and butter, and poultry, almost ad libitum (between sixty and seventy head being consumed weekly), Mr Ford determined to enter into the produce line himself. . . he procured premises 10 acres in extent at Fullarton. . . the dwelling-house first, because it is a handsome and spacious villa, where members of his family reside, and at the rear and sides of which are situated the dairy farm and poultry ‘ranch’. Entering a paddock on the south of the house we perceive a number of wire enclosures wherein are families of hens and chickens. . . in the same yard is a colony of ducks. . . some two or three hundred of these. . . Passing into another yard we find some special breeds, such as Malays and game. . . a big flock of full-grown fowls, geese, and turkeys. A fountain playing in a large pond in the centre supplies several hundred birds. . . Mr. Ford’s gardener has taken some seventeen prizes at shows for vegetables, flowers, and fruit. . . Besides the poultry, there are, as we have indicated, horses, cows, and pigs.” [Advertiser 15 Jan 1885]

 

“Removed From His Well-Known Poultry Farm at Fullarton. . . instructions from Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel, to sell by public auction. . . 32 (about) Pens of very high-class Prize Poultry, comprising —Buff Cochins, Dark Brahmas, Partridge Cochins, Dorkings, Light Brahmas, Peacocks, Aylesbury Ducks, Rouen Ducks, Toulouse Geese, American Turkeys, Game Fowls, White Turkeys.” [Advertiser 17 Jul 1885 advert]

 

“For Sale, Prize Berkshire Pigs. Apply W. E. Ford, York Hotel; or Wm. Harris, Gardener, Fullarton.” [Register 3 Oct 1885 advert]

 

“Berkshires to Melbourne.— A remarkably nice lot of pigs were sent away on Friday by the s.s. Konoowarra to Melbourne. They were bred by Mr. W. E. Ford, of Fullarton, from Mr. J. H. Angas's celebrated stock.” [Register 6 Feb 1888]

 

“Experienced Housemaid Wanted; references required; tram fares paid. Apply Mrs. J. Morris, 'Berwick’, Fisher-street, Fullarton-road.” [Advertiser 20 Mar 1890 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton. On account of leaving for Europe. The Whole of his Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . His well-known Pair Handsome Chesnut [sic] Carriage Horses, Hooded Wagonette, Pony-Carriage, Buggy, Golden Chesnut Pony, Pony-Cart, and Harness to match. The handsomest turnout in the colony. 2 Double Sets Silver-Mounted Harness. 2 Splendid Cows, both in milk. The Whole to be Sold Without any Reserve.” [Register 18 Jul 1894 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton.. . . The Balance of His Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . Passage. . . Breakfast-room. . . Bedroom No. 1. . . To be followed by Contents of Bedrooms No. 2 and 3, Library, Dairy, Kitchen, Servants' Bedroom, Scullery, Verandah, Washhouse, Backyard, Toolhouse, Office, Stable Utensils, Shadehouse.” [Advertiser 24 Aug 1894 advert]

 

“Mrs. Hardman gave an ‘At home’ at her residence, Fullarton, last Monday. The wet afternoon prevented the guests wearing spring costumes. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Victoria Buxton appeared for a short time, and were accompanied by Miss Buxton and Major Guise.” [Critic, Adelaide 6 Nov 1897]

 

“Wanted to Sell. . . Cow, hall Shorthorn, half Alderney, second calf, good, milker.— Coachman, Mrs. Hardman's, corner Fisher-street and Fullarton-road.” [Express & Telegraph 4 Dec 1897 advert]

 

“HARDMAN.— [Died] On the 5th March, at London, Matilda Hardman, late of Fullarton.” [Register 7 Mar 1900]

 

“news has been received by cable from London of the death of Mrs. Hardman. She left Adelaide by the steamer Ophir on November 2 with her sister, Miss Howard, and bad intended to return by the steamer Ortona, leaving London on March 30. . . Mrs. Hardman was the widow of the late Mr. James Hardman, well known as an officer of the Bank of South Australia.” [Evening Journal 6 Mar 1900]

 

“Miss Howard, of Dixacres, Fullarton, has arranged for a sale of her own gifts and the gifts of kind friends in the Mayor's Reception-room in the Town Hall on Friday at 3 p.m. Mr. Bruce will offer them for her by auction, and the proceeds will be for the starving Belgians.” [Express & Telegraph 13 Apr 1915]

 

“HOWARD.— [Died] On the 21st September, at her late residence, Dixacres, Fullarton, Catherine Howard, in her 84th year.” [Advertiser 22 Sep 1916]

 

“by auction in the Estate of the late Miss Catherine Howard, under instructions from the Executor (Mr F.C. Howard) — The family Residence, ‘Dixacres’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton, Eleven Rooms, Electric Light, and all conveniences. Extensive Modern Stabling, Gardener's Cottage, and Out-Buildings. The land immediately surrounding the Residence comprises about 2½ acres, divided into Flower Garden, Shrubbery, Orchard, etc. Also Immediately Adjoining, about 10 Acres of Fertile Land, Suitable for Subdivision.” [Advertiser 17 Oct 1916 advert]

 

“the property of the late Mrs Catherine Howard was submitted to auction at Brookman Buildings on Tuesday last. The residence known as ‘Dixacres’, containing 11 rooms, situated at the corner of the Fullarton-road and Fisher-street, together with gardener’s cottage, extensive stabling, and five acres of land, was sold to Mr. Harold Hughes.” [Advertiser 21 Oct 1916]

 

“Subdivision of the Balance of ‘Dixacres’ Estate, known as the property of the late Miss Catherine Howard. . . sell by auction. . . Twenty-Four Large Building Sites, with Frontages to Fisher Street, Cheltenham Street, and Roseberry Avenue. The electric tram stops at the corner of the estate.” [Register 12 Apr 1917 advert]

 

“Dixacres, Fullarton road, the residence of the late Miss Catherine Howard, which, was recently sold. . . to Mr. Harold Hughes, is situated in the midst of a large block of pasture land which the trustee (Mr. F. C. Howard) has decided to subdivide into 24 fine deep building sites, with frontages to Fisher street, Cheltenham road, and Roseberry avenue. These are to be sold at auction.” [The Mail 7 Apr 1917]

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Hughes are now residing at Fullarton Road, Fullarton.” [Critic, Adelaide 20 Jun 1917]

 

“HUGHES.— [Birth] On the 29th August, at ‘Gnangwea’, Fullarton-road, the wife of Harold W. Hughes — a son.” [Chronicle 7 Sep 1918]

 

“The foundation stone of the new church of St. Chad's, Fullarton, was placed in position on Saturday afternoon, by Mrs. Harold W. Hughes. . . The new edifice, which is designed to accommodate 150 worshippers, is located in Rosebery avenue.” [Register 13 Sep 1920]. [Church destroyed by arson 1990, demolished & replaced 1992]

 

“generosity of Messrs. Harold Hughes and Peter Waite and Miss Famie Thomas and other residents, who had contributed liberally to the funds.” [Advertiser 13 Sep 1920]

 

“St. Chad's Church of England, Fullarton, will hold its annual fete and continental on the grounds of Mr. Harold W. Hughes, Fullarton-road, Fullarton, on Saturday. . . Electric light will illuminate the grounds in the evening, and a first-class musical programme will be provided.” [Advertiser 30 Oct 1923]

 

“Mrs. Harold Hughes gave a party at her home at Fullarton to the women's committee of the Church of England Boys' Home, Walkerville.” [The Mail 6 Apr 1929]

 

“Gnangwea (Pronounced Nangway, when the Hughes family made their first head station after taking up Booyoolie in 1843.” [Laura Standard 20 May 1932]

 

“an ‘Olde English Fayre’ held in Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Hughes's grounds at Fullarton on Saturday in aid of St. Chad's Church, Fullarton, building fund. . . About 2,000 people attended and £623 was raised.” [Advertiser 8 Mar 1948]

 

“HUGHES.— [Died] On December, 11, at his residence 126 Fullarton road, Fullarton, Harold White, dearly beloved husband of Rita Hughes and loving father of Tim, Alfred and Eleanor. In his 94th year.” [Advertiser 14 Dec 1954]

 

“By the passing on of Mr. Harold White Hughes at Fullarton a trio of well known big men physically and in sheep and cattle station parlance, has disappeared. His brothers were Herbert White Hughes and Edgar Bristow Hughes, of Athelney, Hackney. They were, associated with Booyoolee station when it comprised 200 square miles. . . Kinchega, on the Darling (3,000 square miles); Nockatunga, south-western Queensland. . . Kara, Broken Hill district. . . The meat canning industry here was started at Booyoolee, where at one time 14,000 to 16,000 sheep were shorn.” [Advertiser 17 Dec 1954]

 

Greenethorpe. The village was built in 1908 to house share farmers contracted to work 640 acre blocks on Iandra castle estate. Two style of houses are clear- those for share farmers and those for labourers. The Anglican Church and the first Methodist churches were built in 1910 with the current Methodist in 1928 and the Catholic in 1933. The original railway siding of 1887 called Iandra was changed to Greenethorpe in 1908. The Greenethorpe School was established in 1903 and the Post Office started in 1908. The town survives with 120 residents and the Shamrock Hotel, the local hall, a state school (23 students), Post Office and general store/café in the old 1935 bank building. From 1991 the rail service to Grenfell terminated at Greenethorpe but it has closed. The town alive it began house rental scheme with weekly rental was set at $1 for disused houses

 

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

 

Owned by Mr J. R. MacMelkan, the land of his Wandoolah farm was auctioned on 7 December 1907 . As he was "giving up dairying," an auction for the farm's stock and equipment was held on 4 November. The following is a list of advertised property for sale:

 

Dairy herd:

12 Milk Cows mostly newly calved

15 Forward and Backward Springers

23 Heifers up to 2 years old. Ayrshire cross and all picked

dairy cows, included in the above are several pedigreed

Ayrshire cows and Heifers.

Pedigreed Ayrshire Bull "Royal Duke" bred by Mr Jas. Gibb of Berwick.

 

Horses:

1 Medium Draught Gelding

1 Chestnut Mare (well bred), in foal to Bolinda

1 Dark bay Pony Gelding, 4 years, 13 hands.

 

Vehicles. implements, etc,

D.S. Farmers buggy by Craine; Farm Dray, Spring Cart, Set

Harness, Gents Saddle and Bridle.

Alfa Laval Laval Separator 28 gallons, 4 Bottle Milk Tester (Babcock) " Perfect "

Churn, Dairy Utensils, Chaff-cutter and Horseworks, hand-

chaffcutter, s.f Ploughs, Harrows,

Roller, Sledge, Spray Pump,

Lady's and Gent's Bicycle,

quantity useful tools and sundries.

 

Note obsolete spelling of Warrigal Road as Warragul Road. Also, although some of the roads on this map are still in existence, several are not or their alignments have changed. Interestingly, the advertisement notice for the land auction states the location as being Burwood.

 

See the locale on Google Maps.

 

Streets in map include: Warragul or Boundary [i.e. Warrigal] Road -- High Street Road -- Jordan Street -- Mulgrave Street -- Grandview Grove

 

Copyright status: This work is out of copyright

 

Image source: State Library Victoria

Link to online item: handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/169784

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Norman John McLeod LESTER 7/361

Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Died 29 June 1918

aged 38

Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Died 29 June 1918

aged 38

 

Did not land at Gallipoli...was sent back to Egypt with the horses.

 

Died at Christchurch Hospital

 

Date of return to NZ; 11 Sept 1915, Tahiti [ship], Gastritis - mucous colitis

Where under treatment in NZ: Timaru hospital - 29 Nov 1915

Remarks: this man should go to Hanmer as soon as possible

Timaru Hospital 1915 extended sick leave - Farrier Lester:

"his condition is by no means satisfactory"

Wholly edentulous full set top and bottom. Top set drops on putting out his tongue. This man is not making headway. He is very thin and anaemic. He looks much older than 33.

 

1915 at Hanmer Springs Red Cross Hospital:

"He developed an attack of 'gastritis' with diahorrea .. "

 

Developed bronchitis and asthemia following diahorrea.

Date of origin of disability: May 20th 1915

Place of origin of disability:

On troopship from Lemnos to Alexandria

Concise facts:

Had pneumonia in New Zealand shortly after joining but recovered from this. Attack of diahorrea on the way back from Lemnos. Admitted to No. 17 GH Victoria. Improved but relapsed when put on ordinary diet. Later caught a cold which cleared up in a fortnight except for a little phlegm in the throat and hoarsness of voice. Vague muscular pains all over especially in back.

Conditions to which you attribute it:

active military service through infected or unsuitable food.

What is present condition?:

Looks thin and wasted. slight cough; voice a little hoarse; some deficiency of note at right apex; little harshness of breath sounds all over; scattered bronchi in chest.

 

21 February 1916 Discharged as physically unfit for army

  

His military records are online:

www.archives.govt.nz/digitalarchive/archives:18476

 

His Cenotaph Database record:

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/32421.detail?O...

 

His Commonwealth War Graves Commission record;

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=642418

 

*******************************************************************************************

Corporal Frank PENGELLY 33762

Canterbury Regiment

Died 15 November 1918

aged 28

 

Served on the Western Front

 

Occu before enlist: Chaffcutter

  

Listed in newspaper article as not a severe case:

Sgt Pengelly of Rakaia

8 January 1918

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

 

Mentioned in newspaper article as coming home in next draft - 4 May 1918:

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

 

His Cenotaph database record:

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/32636.detail?O...

 

His Commonwealth War Graves Commission record:

www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=642429

 

His military records are available with some restrictions:

www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20800290

 

Mentioned on the Dunsandel War Memorial:

keteselwyn.peoplesnetworknz.info/soldiers_of_selwyn/topic...

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

Old Chaff Cutter at Cockington Village, Torquay, Devon

A typical morning on Beamish Museum's Victorian Home Farm, with lots of ancient machinery (although clearly not Victorian!) still doing a fine job following careful restoration at the museum.

 

In the distance a Bamford "Clipper" safety chaff cutter works alongside a cornmill, both belt driven by the Ruston Hornsby static barn engine receiving attention in the foreground and the 1937 Case tractor beside it.

 

In the centre of the shot the farmer and his wife discuss the more important details of the day - like what's for lunch!.

 

Copyright © 2013 Terry Pinnegar Photography. All Rights Reserved. THIS IMAGE IS NOT TO BE USED WITHOUT MY EXPRESS PERMISSION!

Iandra Castle. George and Elizabeth Greene were settlers with a difference when they purchased their 32,000 acre property in 1878. They built their first homestead named Mount Oriel House in 1880. Greene was a NSW politician and a man with ideas. By the time he died in 1911 his Mount Oriel estate had over 20,000 acres sown in crop. His obituary said he came to a landscape of bush and transformed it into a granary. His estate used 700 horses and employed over 600 people plus various chaffcutters, thrashers etc and the woolshed sheared 30,000 sheep. He came to NSW in 1847 with his parents and spent most of his life on pastoral properties before he purchased Iandra. He dreamed of a medieval feudal system to grow vast areas of crop with little labour. He was regarded as the most important wheat farmer in Australia along with William Farrer who developed his rust resistant wheat type. Greene claims to have introduced the concept of share farming to Australia. He provided the land and took half of the value of the crop but the share farmer bought the seed, fertiliser and provided the labour to sow and reap the crop. But did he? Share cropping was common in the American south after the Civil War and Elizabeth Onlsow (nee MacArthur of Camden Park NSW) introduced share farming on their dairy property in 1887. Greene established his village with houses for the fifty sharefarmers contracted to work his lands. He started with one share farmer in 1891 and gradually expanded the system. His estate manager, named Leonard l’Anson came from Waterloo in South Australia and members of the Freebairn family from Alma in SA also moved to Iandra to be share farmers. George Greene wanted a medieval castle like a medieval lord. Iandra castle was built in 1908 with 57 rooms, castellations and towers but the construction was decidedly modern with reinforced concrete walls. The style was slightly Gothic but the interior was very Edwardian with wood panelling and Art Nouveau stained glass panels etc. The external concrete was rendered to appear like stone. It cost around £63,000 to build. The property included stables, a manager’s residence, outbuildings, blacksmith shop, sheds etc. Near the house was a chapel built in 1886 and a cemetery. When George Greene died in 1911 he was buried there. The estate was partially broken up in 1914 and most share farmers were able to buy their 640 acre blocks. I’Anson continued as manager for Elizabeth Greene until her death in 1927. He was then able to buy 2,500 acres and the castle. Later Iandra castle was used as the Methodist Boys Home from 1954 to 1974. The Methodist Boys Farm School was for 15 to 18 year old first time offenders. They were taught farming skills. The Methodist Church sold the centre in 1974.

A vintage chaff cutting machine being demonstrated at Helmsley Steam Rally 2013. Chaff cutters were used for cutting hay and straw into shorter lengths for animal feed purposes etc.

An antique chaff cutter standing in a field. Chaff cutters were used for cutting straw or hay into small pieces for feeding to horses. It would have been run using a traction engine.

Sunshine 5hp 2 stroke eninge and Sunshine No4 Chaffcutter

Built c1872 for William Faulkner Wincey, Mayor of Gawler, and named for his mother’s birthplace, Tortola, an island in the West Indies. Purchased 1895 by Alfred May, became Methodist (later Uniting) church manse 1911-1983, now private.

 

“WINCEY.— [Birth] On the 30th August, at Tortola House, Gawler, the wife of Mr. W. F. Wincey, of a daughter.” [Register 1 Sep 1874]

 

“Wanted, an Experienced Nursemaid, about 16 years old. Apply to Mrs. Wincey, Tortola House, Gawler.” [Bunyip, Gawler 11 Dec 1874]

 

“On Sunday, December 9, two sermons were preached at the Wesleyan Church, Gawler, by the Rev. S. Knight, and collections were made in aid of the Foreign Mission Fund. On the Monday following . . . Mr. W. F. Wincey, J.P., occupied the chair and gave an account of the work of his mother on the island of Tortola, who once labored amongst the blacks very successfully.” [Christian Colonist 21 Dec 1883]

 

“Death of Mrs. F. E. Wincey. On Friday, January 7, an old pioneer of South Australia, died. Mrs. Frances E. Wincey, mother of Mr. W. F. Wincey, of Tortola House, Gawler, passed quietly away after an illness of some duration. Mrs. Wincey was born on Tortola Island, West Indies, in the month of May, 1800, and was over 86 years of age when she died. Her father was a cotton planter, and her grandfather a sugar grower. . . She joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1822, and under the direction of the missionary, the Rev. T. Truscott, conducted all the services on the island, founded and taught in a Sabbath School, and instructed the negroes in reading and writing. Subsequently she came to England with her husband. The most noticeable feature of her life in that country was her connection with Mr. Wilberforce and Miss Buxton in work for the abolition of slavery.” [Bunyip, Gawler 14 Jan 1887]

 

“Mr. William F. Wincey . . .was born in Cornwall in 1837. He arrived in the colony at the age of 2 years, was educated at St. Peter's College, and was articled to Mr. Atkinson, solicitor, of Adelaide. Afterwards he was an accountant. . . He filled the position of councillor, and was twice elected mayor. He was also chairman of the board of advice for a number of years, and was a great advocate of the Barossa water scheme. He was also an energetic member of the Wesleyan Church. . . The deceased leaves a wife, three sons, and seven daughters, the eldest son being Lieutenant Wincey, of the Gawler Mounted Infantry. Miss Wincey is matron of the Burra Hospital, and the fourth daughter is married to Mr. F. N. Leak, who is master of the Basket Range public school.” [Advertiser 3 Nov 1894]

 

“'Tortola House', Tod-Street, Gawler. . . instructions from Mrs. Wincey, who is leaving Gawler, to sell by auction — Portion of her Household Furniture, comprising Handsome Secretaire (in Walnut), Massive Cedar Sideboard, Bookcase (in cedar). . . Copying Press and Stand, Bagatelle Board and Balls, 2 Couches (cedar), 2 Loo Tables (cedar), Walnut Whatnot, 2 Cornices for Bow-Window, and 6 other Cornices. Glass Chandelier. . . Bedroom Suite in Huon Pine. . . Dinner Service 75 pieces. . . Ice Chest, Large Earthen Pickling Bath, Cooking Range 'Victoress’. . . Washing Machine, Wringer and Stand, Bradford Mangle. . . Milk Cow, big milker and quiet. Varnished Dog Cart, Buggy (sliding seats), Lady's and Gents' Saddles, Set Double Buggy Harness, Set Yankee Harness, Tandem Reins and Traces. Horseworks with shafting and intermediate gear. Chaffcutter. . . Carpenter's Bench, Grindstone, Garden Roller, Lawn Mower. . . Garden Seats, 2 Wheelbarrows, Tools, Sundries.” [Bunyip, Gawler 7 Dec 1894]

 

“Wanted. . . Good General; also, young Girl, train housemaid; sisters preferred.— Mrs. Alfred May, ‘Tortola’, Gawler.” [Express & Telegraph 12 Oct 1899]

 

“Wanted. . . Respectable Middle-aged Man, for driving and flower gardening; references. Mr. Alfred May, ‘Tortola’, Gawler.” [Advertiser 15 Oct 1902]

 

“Wanted. . . An elderly Man, garden, drive, useful. Apply Mr. Alfred May, ‘Tortola’, Gawler.” [Express & Telegraph 13 May 1907]

 

“For Sale. The Substantially-Built Residence, known as ‘Tortola,' Tod-street, Gawler. Particulars from Mr Alfred May.” [Bunyip, Gawler 17 Dec 1909]

 

“Auction. . . At the Residence, ‘Tortola’, Gawler. . . Superior Household Furniture, Motor Car, etc. . . as instructed by A. May, Esq., who has disposed of ‘Tortola’ to sell. . . Furniture, including Valuable Suites, Overmantels, Walnut and Chippendale Tables, Chairs, Clocks Pictures, Cutlery, Ornaments, Upright Grand Piano (Lipp), Silver and Plated Ware, Bedsteads, Duchess Chests. . . Bagatelle Table, Kitchen Requisites, etc. Also 15-20 Humber Motor Touring Car.” [Advertiser 28 Oct 1911]

 

“The Methodists of the Gawler circuit were invited to an 'At Home' recently by the Rev. E. J. and Mrs. Piper. The object of the gathering was to inspect the new home for Gawler ministers. . . For a long while the condition of the old manse had been considered unsatisfactory, and about fifteen months ago the necessary steps were taken to secure permission to sell the old building. An offer of £5l0 was accepted, and then it became imperative to provide a new home for the minister. . . an offer by Mr. Alfred May of his handsome and commodious house adjoining the old premises. . . the cost was £1,000. In addition the trustees voted £100 for much-needed furnishings. . . There are ten rooms and a well-finished and ventilated underground room; besides kitchens and other conveniences. It is a stately and comfortable manse. The balcony on the western side is an enclosed one. There are bathrooms upstairs and downstairs. A roomy lookout on the roof. . . Lawns, stables, conservatory, and gardens are enclosed by a substantial stone fence surmounted by massive ornamental ironwork, ensuring convenience and privacy.” [Bunyip, Gawler 23 Feb 1912]

 

“ARTHUR. — [Birth] On the 13th May, at Tortola, Gawler, the wife of the Rev. G. T. Arthur— a son. (Hugh Thomas).” [Register 15 May 1915]