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INDEX ( 1 )
Englert - Simpson - Adie
George was a head blacksmith at Bakers Factory and an accomplished musician at the Uniting Church whilst John was a popular local chemist followed by his son Noel and Archibald Adie provided ample competition to Mackenzies just down the road.
They all played important roles in the development of Manilla in those early years and this article, with many pictures, is a very interesting read.
They all lived at some time at 98 River St.
Thomas John Bowen
Thomas John Bowen was a prominent builder in the Gunnedah/Manilla/Tamworth region of NSW, and involved in the early development of these towns. He is believed to have first come to the area about 1884 to assist G. H. Royce, NSW chief engineer, for the construction of the iron traffic bridge over the Namoi River (1884-86), an important milestone in the development of Manilla.
He went on to build many buildings in Manilla NSW and prominent enough to establish a position on the Manilla Municipal Council
Farmers and Settlers Carnival 1929
The Farmers and Settlers Association organized annual farmers' carnivals from 1907 to 1915 and continued again after WW1. The first farmers' carnival, held in June 1907, attracted a crowd of 1,500 to watch the ring events and view the displays of horses, sheep, cattle, fruit, vegetables, grains and other farm produce. It was a major growth period for Manilla which produced the 1st Manilla Show in 1932
Ladies Cricket
Cricket has not just been the choice of sporting endeavours for men. Women’s Cricket Teams were fielded as early as 1914 in Manilla, Halls Creek and Wongo Creek. The Manilla women's team even travelled to Sydney to play against Bexley Ladies Club and a representative team from Parliament.
Almost 100 years after that first game, women were making international history by participating the first World Cup in the sport in England, with seven teams competing. Women were establishing themselves as pioneers on the pitch, creating a style of play that would change how men approached the game..
Manilla Cubs and Scouts
Manilla Scouts and Cubs were very popular in the 1950s/1960s with over 60 Cubs and Scouts enrolled.
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Scout Groups started in Australia in 1908. In 1909, Major Chuck of the New South Wales Forces, and the Scout Master for the Tamworth District, came to Manilla Public School to swear in the 1st Manilla Boy Scout Troop.
A. R. Macleod
Alton Richmond “Magpie” MacLeod (1887 - 1951) was a forward thinker, successful business man, and author.
He established the Massey-Harris Agency, bought the Manilla Express and wrote the book "The Transformation of Manellae."
He was also on the Municipal Council and implemented the construction of the centre gardens in Manilla NSW.
Keepit Water Skiing
Manilla Keepit Water Skiing was popular along the banks of the Namoi River before Keept Dam was built in 1960.
The Water Ski Gardens were then established and skiing progressed to a large expanse of water.
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The Manilla RSL club had an exchange program with the Hurlston Park RSL and visitors from Sydney enjoyed a trip out to the Ski Gardens and also the other attractions around Country Manilla.
J. D. Kennedy
Mr. Kennedy, who died at the age of 80 (1872-1953) was one of the best-known figures in the professional and public life of Manilla.
He took a prominent part in the activities of Manilla, being associated with most organisations and committees and moved Manilla forward towards the future.
J. D. Kennedy was well respected in the professional and community in the Manilla District.
Durham Court
“First and foremost among Manilla’s pioneers were the Baldwins - Otto and his nephew Charles.” A.R. MacLeod.
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The Baldwins established themselves as one of the genuine and successful pioneers within the Manilla Distict. Their property generated prized stock where Charles was also known for his successful thoroughbred horses.
Holy Trinity Church
A look at the history and growth of the Holy Trinity Church, where the Hall and Allen families played a pivotal role in the growth of the Church.
Plus a look at the 1960s when Canon Quayle was the minister, and the Quayle family.
The historical context of this church is a remembrance of life in the past leading to the future.
Pioneer Settlers
This article takes you on a journey from the early 1800s and continues for one hundred years. A story of the hardships and successes of our early pioneers and how they discovered, lived and developed a region that was less than ideal. A primitive era where only the stoic would survive.
Our life today is what these pioneers developed for the future. For this we should be grateful and understanding
Allan Cunningham - Pioneer Exployer & Botanist
This is an interesting and fascinating look at the Explorations of Allan Cunningham particularly 1823 and 1827 when he travelling to Scone, Tamworth, Manilla, Barraba, Bingara, Warialda and returned via Boggabri and Gunnedah.
Includes a large detailed graphic/map plus much information that fills in Allan's life and his importance to the Botany field of human science.
His contribution to our society in the future cannot be overlooked.
Without Allan Cunningham we could not be living in the prosperous society and towns we do today.
