COBBORA

See also: William Norris, and Commercial Hotel Cobbora

Streets of Cobbora Village
Source: sixmaps and GoogleEarth

The first graziers near Cobbora were brothers John Richard and Edwin Rouse in the 1820s. Freehold title of 1,280 acres was first granted to Robert Martin Snr, who chose land at Cobrow near the present day Cobbora township. Other landholders joined him and in 1863 Cobbora was subdivided into 150 half-acre lots. Nineteen lots were added to the growing township in 1883. Officially proclaimed a town in 1886, Cobbora was considered the regional centre throughout the nineteenth century. This changed when the railway was built to Dunedoo in 1910.

Source: Cobbora Coal Project EA - Appendix Q - Historic heritage assessment, 2012

A hut on "Medway Station" located near Sweeney's Lane, Cobbora.

Source: Cobbora Coal Project EA - Appendix Q - Historic heritage assessment, 2012

The hut is a two-roomed structure with a verandah. It has one sandstone chimney and is on a sandstone base. One of the sandstone blocks has the number 1891 carved on its side. The verandah is held up by wooden posts.

The property was once owned by George Thompson and later by Geoff and Pam Jackson. There is a grave on the property for Charles Archibald Clarendon Cox.

Source: Jan Jackson

MARTIN'S HOUSE

Martin's House Birrewa Street Cobbora 2843, built circa 1860

Source: Heritage Inventory Sheets Cobbora and Coolah 2019

Statement of significance - An important relic that stands for a very significant early settler family. In particular Mrs (Mary) Robert Cooper Martin, the mother and grandmother of many in the district, and who was a pioneer when she came to the Cobborah district. The cottage is now almost a ruin, but demonstrates the hard life of pioneers and the simple lifestyle they endured.

Physical description - A small early settler’s house with hipped corrugated iron roof and skillion to the rear and front verandah. Constructed in vertical timber Board and batten, the timbers are exceedingly dry and many battens are now displaced leaving only the slabs. The front verandah wall is lined in horizontal timber planks. Inside the house was once ‘papered’ against the weather. Two sheet metal chimneys sit at the side. Part of the verandah at the front is filled in. The house appears to be set on timbers on the ground. Two doors lead to the front verandah and there appears to be no conventional windows. The front verandah iron roof is self-supporting from the wall to the verandah beam and posts are rough hewn.

COBBORA HALL

Cobbora Hall, view looking south east

18 Dunedoo Street Cobbora

Source: Peter Duggan's photo in Heritage Inventory Sheets Cobbora and Coolah 2019

Statement of significance - The Cobbora Hall has been a focus of activity for the Cobbora community for over 100 years. It was previously relocated to a sporting ground in the late 1950s where it later fell into disrepair. In the c.2010s the hall was restored and relocated back to its original site and has regained its place as a social hub.

Physical description - The Cobbora Hall is a timber-framed iron-clad building with a gable roof and an attached, corrugated iron clad entrance porch at its northern end. The walls are clad in corrugated iron laid horizontally. On the western side elevation a central door is flanked each side by a window. Each window has its own small awning over. A reverse skillion kitchen/service wing is attached on the eastern side.

The Cobbora Hall was constructed by the community in 1915 and has been the focus of community events for over 100 years. The hall was relocated in about 1958 from its original site alongside the Cobbora courthouse to a sporting ground, 2 kms distant. It was part of a sports centre and there were 3 or 4 tennis courts in front of it, still evident. The hall fell into disrepair and was relocated back to near its original site in c.2012 and restored for use as a community hall and function venue. 

On April 1st, 1915 the Mudgee Guardian described the hall as one of the largest and up-to-date halls in the district and built according to the requirements of the Theatres and Public Halls Act. The hall was opened on Friday 16th July, 1915 with over 300 people present. Mr Inder, one of the oldest residents, performed the opening ceremony speech. Dinner was held and music provided by Messrs. Hughes and Sons and the Dunedoo Town Band (Mudgee Guardian 22nd July, 1915). 

The Kookaburra March - Although there were ten Recruiting Marches during World War 1, only two of them commenced from the same region. These were the 'Cooee March' which left Gilgandra on Sunday 10th October, 1915 and arrived in Sydney, 535 kms away on Friday 12th November, 1915; and the 'Kookaburra March' which commenced at Tooraweenah on Wednesday 12th January, 1916 and ended at Bathurst on Thursday 3rd January, 1916, a distance of 378 kms. After leaving Tooraweenah, the Kookaburras marched through Yarragrin, Mendooran, Boomley, Cobbora, Dunedoo, Craboon, Birriwa, Tallawang, Gulgong, Mudgee, Havilah, Lue, Rylstone, Kandos, Clandulla, Ilford, Running Stream, Capertee, Ben Bullen, Portland, Meadow Rat, Yetholme and finally to Bathurst. They started with 25 recruits and ended up with 92 enrolees. After marching via Boomley, from Mendooran, the Kookaburras on their fifth day from the start of the March from Tooraweenah reached Cobbora on Monday 17th January, 1916. 

The Mudgee Guardian of the day quoted that the 43 Kookaburras were a fine stamp of men and were delighted with the fine reception they had been given at Cobbora. Mr. Barry Weeks, a resident of Coonabarabran later commented that the Kookaburras marched 22 to 24 kms a day. The men were well fed, as residents along the way provided cooked turkeys and fowls for them. Although four men promised to enlist at Cobbora, only one joined the March there. He was E.W.G. Marsh who was born near Stroud, NSW. As the Marchers left Cobbora. they were presented with a tame kookaburra bird by a local boy.

Cobbora Hall, view looking south west

Source: Peter Duggan's photo in Heritage Inventory Sheets Cobbora and Coolah 2019

SHIRE COUNCIL

Cobbora Shire Council, 16 Dec 1910

Source: Darryl Pickett

NEWS ITEMS

1905 - Cobbora, (From our Correspondent.)

A dance in aid of the R. C. Church was held in the Cobbora hall on Friday night last, which proved to be a great success. About 50 couples were present. Great praise is due to the hon. sec. (Mr. L. Norris). who left no stone unturned to bring the affair to a successful issue. The tables were very nicely laden with refreshments, and the ladies who provided them are to be congratulated on the way they fulfilled their duties. The following is a list of some of the dresses worn by the ladies:—

Mrs. Norris (Spring Ridge) ... Black silk

Mrs C. Craft (Cobbora) ... White silk

Mrs A. Inder (Tucklan) ... Cream silk

Mrs J. Craft ... Black voile and blue trimmings

Mrs A. Dorman (Dapper) ... Black voile and blue trimmings

Mrs J. Atkins (Tucklan) ... White silk

Mrs O'Neill ... Black voile, red silk blouse, cream lace

Miss Williams (Hill End) ... Cream silk, lace trimmings

Miss A. Williams ... Black voile, cream satin trimmings

Miss F. Nott (Bolaro) ... Vieux rose voile, cream lace trimmings

Miss A. Norris ... Pale blue silk and white lace

Miss C. Haley ... Black voile skirt and blue blouse

Miss J. Scifleet ... Pale green voile and cream lace

Miss K. Scifleet ... Vieux rose voile and cream lace

Miss A. Burkinshaw ... Black lustre and white satin

Miss L. Burkinshaw ... Brown voile skirt, heliotrope silk blouse

Miss N. Burkinshaw ... Black silk

Miss K. Barrett (Barragon) ... Black voile skirt, blue silk blouse and white lace

Miss E. Talbot (Lahy's Creek) ... White silk and red poppies

Miss V. Robe ... White silk

Miss Meers (Dapper) ... Cream cashmere, red ribbon

Miss M. Chapman ... Floral muslin and white lace

Miss M. Croke ... Black voile skirt, pink silk blouse

Miss M. Russell (Tallewang) ... Black satin, cream trimmings

Miss W. Russell (Tallewang) ... Grey voile and white lace

Miss M. Jones (Tallewang) ... Pale blue silk and white lace

Miss A. Piper (Medway) ... Blue silk and lace trimmings

Miss G. Wilson (Tallewang) ... Black voile and blue silk

Miss B. Madigan (Lahy's Creek) ... Cream cashmere, pink ribbon

Miss S. Niven (Spring Ridge) ... Blue silk, white lace

Miss B. Falconer (Lahy's Creek) ... Black mervellieux, red poppies

Miss A. Daley (Hill View) ... White muslin and lace

Miss J. Chandler ... Black velvet

Miss L. Thompson (Medway) ... White muslin and white lace

Miss M. Hogden ... Black voile skirt and blue blouse

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 24 Aug 1905 Page 9

1906 - Social at Bolaro. (From our Correspondent.)

What was said to be the most successful social ever held at Bolaro eventuated at Mr. James Nott's residence (Mt. Pleasant) on Friday, 1st instant. The function was in aid of the Union Church, now being erected at Bolaro.

Visitors from all the surrounding localities were present, the attendance numbering 70 couples. Notwithstanding that two rooms were requisitioned for dancing purposes, the floor proved to be crowded. Music was provided by Mrs McKean (piano) and Mr Chandler (concertina). They were assisted by Miss Barrett and Mr Manns (piano) and Mr McKean (violin). Messrs Craft, Milson and Seabrook performed the duties of M's.C.

A very nice supper was partaken of at midnight. The wants of those at the table were attended to by Mesdames Nott, Patterson, Leeson, Shaw and Rhodes, and Misses Nott (3), Patterson (3) and Rhodes (2). During an interval after supper a drawing took place for a fat sheep, presented by Mr Alf. Rayner, Mangaleer, and a wedding cake, presented by Mrs Leeson, Anglewood. Mrs Atkins won the sheep, while Mr J. D. Parker, of Gulgong, won the cake.

During the evening Mr Patterson thanked all those who by their help and attendance were responsible in making the social the success — both financially and socially — it had proved to be. He also gave a resume of the financial condition of the church. He said the building of a church had been mooted for some years, but no steps had been taken till quite recently, when Mr H. A. Patrick had donated the land, and a subscription list was opened, and the contributors were so liberal that a contract was let for £139. The church was now nearing completion, and would be almost free from debt, only about £12 being required. He also added that not only did the people of the district contribute, but help was also received in the way of donations from the people of Gulgong, Mudgee and Nyngan. It is expected that the social will result in a nett profit of over £20, upon which the hon. secs., Messrs J. J. Nott and G. Patterson, jun., are to be commended.

Appended is a list of the ladies present:—

Mrs. Jas. Nott, Mount Pleasant... Black silk, chiffon trimmings

Mrs. C. Nott, Oakfield... Flowered lace

Mrs. McKean, Cobbora... Black voile, chiffon trimmings

Mrs. J. Yeo, Ballarah... Black velvet, cream lace

Mrs. Paterson, Bonny Plain. ..Black silk, sequin net

Mrs. Thompson, Bolaro... Black cashmere, twine lace

Mrs. Rhodes, Hill View... Black and sequin

Mrs. Shaw, Barragon ... Black silk, lace trimmingsMrs. Atkins, Tucklan.. ..Black and green

Mrs. Scheibel, Cobbora... Tussore silk, lace trimmings

Mrs. Hicks, Gulgong... Blue silk, silver sequins and chiffon

Mrs. Kable, Bolaro... Cream voile over pink

Mrs. New... Black and heliotrope

Mrs. Sharpe, Cobbora... Black silk, applique trimmings

Mrs. Leeson, Anglewood.. Black voile

Mrs. S. Rayner, Cobbora... Indian muslin, Valenciennes lace and insertion

Miss C. Crawford, Gulgong... White silk, over buttercup, and narrow frills of lace

Miss M. Crawford, Gulgong... Blue silk, chiffon trimmings

Miss S. Crawford, Gulgong... White Persian lawn, valenciennes lace and insertion.

Miss L. Crawford, Gulgong.. .Pale green voile, lace and ribbon

Miss E. Williams, Hill End. ..Brown voile, silk kiltings, and applique trimmings

Miss J. Scifleet, Cobbora.. ..White muslin and lace

Miss K. Scifleet, Cobbora. ..White silk, cardinal ribbons

Miss K. Barrett, Hill View... Cream costume

Miss Muriel Highfield, Gulgong... Cream silk, figured voile

Miss Lila Rhodes, Hill View. ..Cream voile, silk Yak lace

Miss E. Rhodes, Hill View... Blue voile, black velvet ribbon

Miss Amy Rhodes, Hill View. ..Green vone, lace trimmings

Miss Madgwick, Denison Town... Cream voile, blue silk, lace trimmings

Miss M. Barwick, Mudgee. ..Cream voile skirt, silk blouse, lace trimmings

Miss A. Nott, Mount Pleasant... Tussore silk

Miss E. Nott, Mount Pleasant... White book muslin, lace and insertion

Miss F. Nott, Mount Pleasant.. ..Pale blue voile, twine lace

Miss Esther Nott, Mount Pleasant... White silk over pink, lace trimmings

Miss Francers Nott, Bolaro ... Brown voile

Miss C. Nott, Bolara... Black voile, silk trimmings

Miss Elsie Nott, Bolaro... Red satin bodice, voile skirt to match, and satin passementerie

Miss Ballard, Tucklan.. .Cream voile lace trimmings

Miss Flo. Ballard, Tucklan... Cream voile, blue satin, cream lace

Miss Leeson, Anglewood. ..Pale green, lace trimmings

Miss New, Martindale ..Black voile, twine lace

Miss T. New, Martindale ..Black shirt, blue silk bodice, lace and insertion

Miss M. New, Martindale... Black skirt, red satin bodice

Miss E. New, Martindale... Black voile

Miss Paterson, Bonny Plain... Black voile

Miss Ina Sharp, Cobbora.. .Maroon voile, lace and ribbon

Miss Atkins, Cobbora... Red cashmere, white silk trimmings

Miss Johnson, Dunedoo... Black voile

Miss Alsop, Tucklan... Black skirt, white silk blouse and chiffon

Miss Stella Rayner, Cobbora ... Cream nun's veiling, chiffon trimmings

Miss Katie Thompson, Bolaro... Cream voile

Miss Rachael Yeo, Ballarah... Flowered muslin, white silk collar

Miss E. R. Chapman, Bolaro .. .Red skirt, pale green bodice.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 Jun 1906 Page 20

Ann Yeo, Daisy Conliffe, Eva Scifleet, Phyllis and Marge Craft with cricketers. ca 1930

Source: Petrina McFarlane from Hazel Jackson's collection

• Miss Ann Yeo, of Hillview (Dunedoo?) married in 1936.
• Daisy Conliffe was the daughter of John Joseph Conliffe (1869-1941) of "Berry Park", Cobbora.
• Miss Eva Scifleet was the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Scifleet, of Cobbora. She got married in 1927.
• Phyllis Craft of Cobbora got engaged in 1937.
• Miss Marg. Craft of Cobbora was married in 1939.

Source: Trove