Great Lakes Museum

11/06/2026

WHAT'S IN A NAME.
LINCOLN STREET - PALMER STREET.
Alfred Edwin Palmer 1889-1965 known as Lincoln, was a defining figure in the early development of Forster. Born in Bibby Harbour to Septimus and Lydia Palmer, daughter of William and Lydia Bramble, pioneers prominent in the Bungwahl area. One of 9 siblings Lincoln, along with his 3 brothers, James, William and Thomas (Uncle Tom) worked on the family cattle property at Kataway (Neranie) and caught and broke wild brumbies which they sold. The boys had bullock teams and pulled in timber to the mills, mainly Croll's at Bungwahl. After Alexander Croll died, Alexander Jr in early 1920's sold the mill site to Lincoln who also purchased 40 hectares of land behind the Bungwahl Church. The mill was later sold to William and Edward Thomas. Lincoln married Ida Lillias Gray daughter of Charles and Lillias Gray, on the 11th December 1916. Lincoln and Ida moved to Forster purchasing James and Christina Hadley's 100 acres and established a major dairy farm at Bennett's Head, a coastal landmark in Forster. Lincoln also purchased another large parcel of land known today as the Fairways incorporating Strand and Boundary Street. The family farm was a primary source of milk for the growing Forster Tuncurry settlement. During this era, the Palmer family also operated bullock teams, which were essential for transporting timber from the surrounding forests to the local mills. As Forster evolved from a rural outpost into a holiday destination the vast dairy tracts of the area were eventually sub-divided. These subdivisions facilitated the residential expansion of the town towards the coast. Alfred Edwin and Ida Lillias Palmer raised 9 children and are buried together at the Forster Cemetery.
As a matter of interest: In the 1950-60's the goat herd roaming Bennett's Head was a very popular tourist attraction, originally belonged to the Palmer's farm. The goats were eventually transferred to Regatta Island and then on to Tarbuck Bay.
THE "PALMER ROAD." The rugged track leading up to the headland from the main township of Forster was referred to by locals as Palmers Road before it was formally registered and modernised as Bennett's Head Road.


GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
1 Capel Street,
Tuncurry.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm.+

18/05/2026

MUSEUM CELEBRATIONS.
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FORMATION.
On 20th June, 1975, a meeting was held to discuss the formation of a historical society steering committee. Those present were: J Penson,
G Miller, Dr Joan Renshaw, N Avery, B Higgins B & C Kingcott, M Mayers, V Amata, G Johnston, N Roberts and L J Constable. On the 10th November, 1975 a motion by Mrs Godwin and seconded by Keith Dee that the steering committee attendee's be listed as Foundation Members. Keith Dee, Sister M Wright, Sister Patricia, Vivian Wright and Mrs Nicholas were added to the list.
President: Mr Mick Constable
Vice President: Mr G Godwin, Mr B Higgins and Mr Miller
Secretary: Mrs N Roberts
Treasurer: Mrs V Amata
Patrons: Mrs M Wright and Mrs A Piper
On the 1st March, 1976 the historical society was named The Wallamba and District Historical Society. A block of land became available in Capel Street Tuncurry from the Department of Lands and also acquired was the National Bank in Forster, which was to be replaced. The building was cut in half and transported across the bridge, put in place, given new foundations and rejoined to become the main museum to house their growing collection of artifacts and historical data, with the main themes of timber-getting, ship building and fishing, the 3 main industries of the pioneer families. On of the founding members, Mick Constable and his many volunteers were instrumental in setting up the museum and he also designed the logo for the society and started the first newsletter.
The Aims and Objectives of the Society were: To encourage the study of the history of the Great Lakes District To promote the safe keeping of authentic records relating to the Great Lakes District To publish journals, books and publications To acquire and preserve artifacts and other such objects and materials having a bearing on the Great Lakes history To establish and maintain a museum, library and picture gallery in honour of the pioneer families of the district.
During the 1980's considerable work was carried out by the members of the Historical Society to convert the bank building into a museum. On the 5th April, 1987 the museum was opened to the public during Heritage week.
Keith Dee donated the original Tuncurry School building, which was taken to Minimbah in 1924 and was moved in 1984, after all those years to the museum site. The next addition in 1986 was the Cheers' cottage, built in 1948 by Joe Cheers and moved from Peel Street Tuncurry to its new site adjacent to the renovated bank building. The two buildings were joined with a verandah and centre walkway. In 1990 the Sinclair family donated the lock-up which was attached to the Tuncurry Police Station (1949-1959) and used to hold offenders overnight who were waiting judgement. The Southern Cross Windmill was donated by the Mead Family and was transported from their farm at Darawank. The flagpole was first used as a mast on the tugboat " John Gollan" built in Tinonee in 1889. It also has history in the fishing industry in Tuncurry which is another story to be told. With the later addition of the machinery shed, saddlery and landscaped grounds, the museum became an interesting and pleasant place for visitors.
On the 21st November, 1997 stage 2 of the museum was opened to the public.
On the 29th November, 1997 the society name was changed to The Great Lakes Historical Co-Operative Society LTD.
Over the years the Museum continues to grow, thanks to the efforts of the Society's small band of members dedicated to preserving the history of our great area.

12/05/2026

ANZAC DAY
KEMBLE THOMPSON
WW11 POW

Kemble Alexander McNeil Thompson was born 1920 in Nabiac to Joseph and Miriam (McKay) Thompson. Kemble grew up in Tuncurry and spent the early years of his life there. Aged 17 he went to work at the local picture theatre that was owned by the proprietor of the Bellevue Hotel, Mr Beale. Kemble enlisted in the army on 13th September 1941 Service No. 44767, Dubbo being his first stop for prep training. November 1941 before sailing to Singapore, Kemble married Enid Worth at St John's Church in Glebe Point. Enid was the daughter of John and Isabella Worth. His unit was the 2/3 Motor Ambulance Convoy driving to transport the injured and deceased back to base. In February 1942 Kemble was captured and sent to Changi Prison where all POW's were forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway, working day and night with picks and shovels in Hell Fire Pass. During that time many suffered malnutrition, cruelties and disease, which had a profound effect both spiritually and physically. A foot injury coupled with a malaria attack laid the foundation for his early evacuation from the then completed railway. After three an a half years being held a prisoner in Changi he was transported by sea, back home with stops at Perth, Melbourne and then Sydney to spend time in hospital recuperating from his injuries. On his discharge from the army, Kemble went back to work for PMG (now Telecom) and became a head technician involved with technical research in Melbourne and later retired back to the Great Lakes area.
Kemble Thompson died in 2017 aged 97yrs

Great Lakes Museum.
1 Capel Street,
Tuncurry.
Open Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm.

30/04/2026

THE GREAT LAKES SEASIDE RESORT.
In 1953 Forster Tuncurry was the destination for holidaymakers to come and enjoy the entertainment and attractions the area had to offer. The beautiful camping reserve with grassy flats, shaded by palms and gum trees is situated at the foot of Pilot Hill, adjoining the ocean beach and along side the shores of Wallis Lake. From this reserve were outstanding views of the Lake, ocean and distant hills and the glorious sunset views being a lifetime memory. This reserve was controlled by the Forster Urban Area Committee and a caretaker was in attendance. The business houses in the town centre included the Colony, picture theatre, dance casino and cafes. Housie was conducted by the Manning District Ambulance with the Forster RSL also offering good prizes with dawn dances being held at the School of Arts attracting a large attendance. The attractions operated late into the night with swift trade due to the camping area having 2,500 people under canvas and caravans. The caretaker Mr Myers stated that the crowd was orderly and at night by 10pm silence had fallen over the area. Two ferries were bought into use to handle the vehicular traffic, operating as a shuttle alleviating queues on both sides of the crossing. The Alma G 11, also ferried passengers across the lake for a small fee and a lot of fun. Forster Tuncurry with its fishing, swimming and boating was the complete holiday package for the tourists.

Great Lakes Museum
1 Capel St,
Tuncurry.
Opening hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm

27/04/2026

PIONEER TOWNS.

KRAMBACH.
Originally known as Larry's Flat, the name Krambach was chosen in 1886, an aboriginal name meaning "stony steep mountain". Principally a farming area, Krambach's main importance lay in its geographical location, being on the road from Raymond Terrace through to the north. In addition, it was the stopping off point for mail and passengers travelling to and from Tuncurry and other settlements near the coast.
SETTLERS. In 1860 Robert Easton settled at Dry Creek and William Patterson took up land at Larry's Flat. About 1870 many other settlers were arriving in the area. Late 1870's John and Laurence Gallagher arrived in Krambach. The large number of descendants of these brothers(said to be around 200 at the time) earned Krambach the name "Gallagher Town." John James Gallagher, son of Laurence, was to play an important part in the establishment of the village. In 1878 John Wright established a timber mill and village known as Avalon on the Nabiac side of Krambach.
MAIL AND TELEPHONE. In 1883 a post office was established at the residence of J.J. Gallagher. Later he built a new post office near the old office and store. In 1891 he was succeeded as Postmaster by William Deer. In 1892 Krambach became a Public Telephone Office and in 1900 a telegraph line was completed from Krambach to Tuncurry. About 1909 a public telephone was installed in the village and the exchange was opened 1916. March 1980 the telephone service was changed to automatic.
SCHOOL. The first school was held in a shed and volunteers taught classes. In 1889 the Department decided to build a new school on government land and the new school and residence was occupied in 1890.
CHURCH. During the 1880's the first St Killian's Catholic Church was built and this was later used as St Joseph's school.
CONVENT. In 1893 the Sisters of St Joseph's arrived from Lochinvar to take charge of the school. The brick Convent was constructed in 1832 but the Presbytery dates from 1915.
TRANSPORT. The main coaching route ran through Krambach, which became one of the stopping places between Gloucester and the Manning. The changing stables were a little out of town at a spot known as Stable Hill.
HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES. The Krambach Hotel was erected about 1885 by J.J. Gallagher and the original building was a single storey dwelling and the hotel had a showroom, for the use of commercial travellers who were able to display their samples. The hotel is still owned by a Gallagher family member.
In June 1890 a survey was completed on Krambach and in February 1891, the village was proclaimed.

GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
1 Capel Street Tuncurry.
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
10am-1pm and Sunday 1pm-3pm.

16/04/2026

PIONEER CELEBRATIONS
100 YEARS OF HISTORY
The 1963 Centenary Celebration in Forster was a major community milestone, focusing on the towns history and the pioneer legacy of the first European settlers.
Planning began in the early 1960's when a proposal was put forward to then Stroud Shire Council regarding the recognition of the early settlers to the area. This set in motion the planning and erecting of a monument dedicated to such families. The sandstone monolith, possibly acquired from the Coolongolook rock quarry, was transported by barge down river to the Forster punt approach. It was then loaded onto a sled for the bullock team, driven by Arthur ''Purdy'' Palmer to be pulled to the location of Mark, Breckenridge and McIntosh Street, being the vicinity of George Garlick Godwin's homestead.
THE PIONEER MONUMENT
TO COMMEMERATE THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST SETTLERS TO THIS DISTRICT.
GEORGE GARLICK GODWIN AND FAMILY, JANUARY 1862 and other early settlers.
The memorial stone was unveiled by the Hon. C.A. Kelly M.L.A. Chief Secretary Minister for Tourism on the 5th October, 1963. Following this the celebrations began with a street parade led by a bullock team and residents dressed in period costume. Activities at the local recreation ground included wood chopping, egg and spoon and three legged races. A heritage display at the hall exhibited a collection of pioneering relics, old photo's and historical items for the residents to view.
Many of the Godwin descendants are still living in the area as well as other descendants of the pioneers who came after, being a large part of the development and history of our beautiful area.

Great Lakes Museum
1 Capel Street,
Tuncurry.
Open Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm.

06/04/2026

PIPERS BAY.
WILLIAM BRISBANE PIPER.

William Brisbane Piper was born in Kincumber in 1844, the third son of Jonathan and Anne Piper. In his youth he trained under the watchful eye of his father as a shipwright. In 1864 William married Rachel Bramble daughter of William and Lydia Bramble. For a time they remained in the Myall District. In 1866 they decided to follow the Godwin's rough tracks to Cape Hawke by bullock wagon and settled some two miles south in an area called Tobwobba by the aboriginals. Here they settled on the eastern shore of the bay, building their home on top of a small hill with a view of the bay looking across at now Green Point. This sheet of water is now known as Pipers Bay. A deep well was dug, a vegetable garden, orchard and dairy established, chickens and pigs were raised thus rendering the homestead to a very large extent, self supporting. It would appear that initially, the Pipers squatted, but in 1880 they gained title to a total of 159 acres, 40 acres fronting the bay, and a further 119 acres to the east. For reasons best known to himself William, obtained the land in the name of his second son Jonathan, then only 11 years old. A pit saw was set up for sawing of timber and on the shore of the bay a slipway was built to construct vessels. The first registered and built vessel at Cape Hawke in 1872 was 'Rachel' named after his wife. The next vessel was 'Laura' a 60ft. ketch. In late 1874, William launched the 'Lucy Ravel' the largest vessel recorded as having been built at Cape Hawke. He continued building many ships, not only at Pipers Bay, but following his fathers death in 1879, William returned to Brisbane Waters to complete the 'Jonathan' that his father had commenced. Another trip away from home, with much despair to Rachel was to Spencer's Creek on the Macleay River to build the 100ft long schooner 'Ann Powell.' Other vessels attributed to William, but not shown on the register include 'The Shannon,' 'Sarah,' 'Emily T,' 'Hawke,' 'Friday,' 'Volunteer,' 'Bramble' and the 'Wampoo. William, aged 53 died in Bulahdelah on 28th March, 1898 a victim of a typhoid epidemic and was buried the next day at the Bulahdelah Cemetery. Rachel Piper (Bramble) born 25th July, 1846 died 10th February 1936 was buried in the Church of England portion of the Forster Cemetery. William and Rachel had 9 children, William, Eliza, Jonathan, Ann, Lydia, James, George, Nathaniel and Robert.

Great Lakes Museum.
1 Capel Street,
Tuncurry.
Open hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm.

06/04/2026

DYERS CROSSING CO-OP

In the early 1900's milk production on the farms around the areas had risen rapidly, and in 1904 The Upper Wallamba River Dairy Co-operative was floated. The factory was situated at Dyers Crossing, considered the centre of the Wallamba farming district. The factory commenced in 1905 and averaged one ton of butter per week. By 1919 butter production rose to 4 tons per week with cream being supplied by 220 farmers. The company was one of the first of the Mid North Coast to install a pasteurising plant, and the butter after being transferred by boat to the loading wharfs at Tuncurry or Forster was sent by ship to Sydney. So rapidly had the industry expanded on the Wallamba that a new factory was built at Tuncurry.

BIG FIRE AT DYERS CROSSING.

The Northern Champion Taree Jan 27 1945 Reported. The most disastrous fire in the history of Dyers Crossing occurred early hours of Wednesday morning when the general store conducted by the Upper Wallamba River Co-operative Dairy Society was completely destroyed by fire. Mr A L Steven, the butter packer employed at the factory, whose cottage was next door, blew the whistle to alert the towns people of the fire. The Taree and Wingham Fire Brigades were summoned but they arrived too late to save the building but prevented the fire from spreading to the general office and adjoining cottages. The factory carried a heavy stock of groceries, produce and hardware causing a serious blow for the district, since the store supplied all the needs of the many farmers living around the Upper Wallamba.

GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
1 Capel Street,
Tuncurry.
Opening Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm
Volunteers welcome.

05/04/2026

23/03/2026

Surveyor Vernon pegged out two 40 acre lots of land in Minimbah Lot 1: Murdock McIntosh, Lot 2: George Godwin.
MURDOCK MCINTOSH: 1847-1918. Born in Karras, Scotland immigrated to NSW with his family aged 4 settling in Raymond Terrace. Magnus Cromarty, McIntosh's brother-in-law purchased Lot 1 in the name of 17 year old Murdock. This section today included Helen, Robert and Bruce Street from the lake front to McIntosh Street. In 1876, Murdock took up more land known as Charlotte Bay were he met and married Elizabeth Godwin, daughter of George Garlick Godwin. Murdock dabbled in many things being one of those who took up oyster leases in 1884 at Tuncurry and Cockatoo Island, at the beginning of the leasing system and after the first leases were available. Murdock McIntosh was a man who also joined in community affairs, both socially and politically and was one of the pioneers who helped develop the amenities of the settlement as a village early in its growth. Both he and Elizabeth are buried at the Forster cemetery.
An additional item of interest is that after Murdock's death his wife Elizabeth donated a block of land in Bruce Street, Forster and upon this was built the first Church of England in the Forster area. The land was later sold to the Presbyterians.
GEORGE GARLICK GODWIN: 1803-1890. Born Wiltshire England, convicted of stealing a pig and was transported to Australia in 1839 on the ''Burrell.'' George was given a pardon in 1846 and worked as a carrier and bullock driver around Kincumber, before marrying a much younger Mary Anne Jones in 1852. In 1861 the family journeyed north by bullock wagon, blazing a rugged and treacherous trail through Raymond Terrace, Stroud, Bulahdelah and onto Minimbah. George and his family were the first white settlers to this area. In 1863 George purchased Lot 2 40 acres that being today Mark Street to Richard Phegan's boundary near South Street, from the lake front to Godwin Street. The family only stayed a short time becoming tired of farming and in 1874 George moved to the 40 ac property he purchased at Wamwarra- Bungwahl Flat area. He operated a wine house for gangs of men returning oysters, timber and fish to the Sydney markets on John Booth's ship 'Oberon.' The original property Lot 2 lapsed and was transferred in the name of John Wylie Breckenridge. George and Mary are buried at Neranie Cemetery.
RICHARD PHEGAN: 1834-1916. Born in Tasmania, Phegan came to Forster with his family in 1870 after selling his shipbuilding business in Balmain. He purchased 40 acres at the corner of South and Little Street back to McIntosh Street and wasted no time installing a pit saw on the waterfront of his property. He set up stocks and laid the keel of the vessel 'Eliza' a modest ketch he launched May 1872. Richard then built the largest sailing vessel in the Cape Hawke area, the 'Water Witch' a two masted brigantine of 165 tons. The third ship was the 'Minnie Lowe' built in 1876 and named after his beloved wife. In 1878 Phegan built and licenced the Cape Hawke Hotel, a two storied dwelling, on his Little Street property. Minnie ran a fine house it was said and it was a meeting place for mariners and timber men. The destruction of the Cape Hawke Hotel by fire caused the Phegan's many financial difficulties. Another vessel the 'Berlinda' was built and launched August, 1881. Richard left Forster in the late 1880's and returned to the shipping circles in the Balmain area. Richard and Minnie are buried at the Waverley Cemetery overlooking the ocean.
These three pioneers left a considerable mark on the development of our community.
GREAT LAKES MUSEUM.
1 Capel Street, Tuncurry.
Open hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-1pm
Sunday 1pm-3pm.