Welcome.
We are here today to celebrate a significant event -the release of two books , one on Tempe House, Wolli Creek and one on Lydham Hall , Bexley. Lydham Hall has been in Rockdale Council ownership and operating as a museum, for 50 years. The sub-title, Bricks and Mortar inspires imaginative thoughts in our minds – where was the building built, what does it look like, and who lived in the house over a period of time? What stories could this building tell? Were there any ghosts?
The area immediately south of the Cooks River remained largely undeveloped in the early part of the 19 century .Lydham Hall, in Lydham Avenue, Bexley is one of the few buildings surviving from this time. This makes it a very special building.
The Illawarra Railway Line in 1884 changed the St George area, and a land boom developed. For example, Kogarah Estate was developed around Kogarah Station. In 1888, Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah, in which I have a strong interest as a published author on the subject in October 2016, was built on President Avenue /Princes Highway at Kogarah. This land boom also influenced Joseph Davis, the owner of Lydham Hall, to subdivide all but 8 acres surrounding Lydham Hall.
MY ASSOCIATION WITH LYDHAM HALL
I was elected to Rockdale Council in 1991, and re-elected in 1995. From 1995 to 1999, I was the Chair of the Lydham Hall Committee.
I have always had an interest in history from a young age. My parents encouraged my historical interest, and on road trips during the 1960’s we visited local museums, historic sites, as well as old cemeteries. So, I guess that it was a natural fit that I was involved in the Lydham Hall Committee, as well as the Heritage Committee, whilst on Rockdale Council. I value our history and heritage. My views were not shared however, by the majority of my Rockdale Councillors. Councillor Liz Barlow joined me on Council in 1995, and was supportive of history and our heritage.
The Lydham Hall Committee met monthly, and over this time covered many issues relevant to Lydham Hall. These included school tours , tours by community groups such as Probus, working bees in the garden , Christina Stead Day , Heritage Week / Month displays, Council policies, Conservation Studies by heritage architects and university students, a visit from a local textile teacher who specialised in the history of costume, and new brochures were designed, and launched amongst many other matters.
Mrs Bettye Ross, who passed away recently, and who was the President of St George Historical Society Inc for some time, had started in the mid -1990’s to compile, by hand, the inventory. I take this opportunity to acknowledge her long hours of work on a difficult task. And her dedication to Lydham Hall must also be acknowledged.
The first Ron Rathbone Local History Award was held at Lydham Hall on June 3 2006, prior to Ron Rathbone’s untimely passing in early January 2007.It is the only time that it has been held at Lydham Hall. Ron had a long association with Lydham Hall, having encouraged Council in 1970 to purchase the property. Council saw the opportunity to then use the building for a museum. We must be thankful for the foresight, which was shown at this time, along with Councillor Rathbone’s interest and persistence.
I left Rockdale Council at the 1999 Council elections for Kogarah Council. I represented the Kogarah Bay Progress Association until 2008, when I retired from Council. In changing Councils, I therefore had to relinquish my involvement in Lydham Hall as my time was committed to Kogarah Council matters. I remain a member of St George Historical Society Inc. which i possibly joined in the early 1990’s.
TWO INTERESTING PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN LYDHAM HALL
David Stead
By 1906, Stead’s reputation in the scientific field was well established – he gave lectures, wrote scientific articles and newspaper columns on related items. He was an outspoken and passionate conservationist throughout his life.
Christina Stead, David’s daughter spent her early years at Lydham Hall. She attended Bexley Primary, Kogarah Intermediate and enrolled at St George Girls in 1916 – the year that St George Girls High School opened.
As a former St George High School teacher of 35 years duration, I am pleased that Christina is acknowledged in the school’s centenary history, “INDEPENDENT MINDS A History of St George Girls High School “by Pauline Curby. Christina completed her education at Sydney Girls High School, as the family left Bexley to move to Watsons Bay.
Lydham Hall gave Christina some fond memories, which are most likely the background to her important book – The Man Who Loved Children. Christina’s writing was acknowledged overseas, long before it was recognised in Australia. She was awarded the inaugural Patrick White Award in 1968; and more honours followed in subsequent years.
Christina returned to Australia permanently in 1974, and died in Hurstville in 1980.
CONCLUSION
Lydham Hall presents our young people with the opportunity to see and understand how people lived in the past. Life in those times did not have the modern conveniences that we have today! And people of more mature years can reminiscence about items that their grandparents may have had.
There are a wide collection of items in Lydham Hall to enjoy and to educate.
The ambience of the outside of the house makes it so special for wedding photos and other formal photos.
I would love however, to also meet the ghost of Lydham Hall …….
Anne Field
